You are the Best Investment You Can Make. Get More Value for Every Dollar at CCC.
Community colleges like CCC offer the best value in higher education. With low or no tuition and high-quality programs that lead to real careers or transfer opportunities, your investment goes further. Unlike many four-year schools, CCC lets you start earning sooner and graduate with little to no debt. That means more money in your pocket and a faster return on every dollar you invest in your future.
Return on Investment for Every Dollar Spent
CSU
$100–$133
UC
$93
Private
$22–$43
CCC
$267–$400
How CCC Stacks Up
Contra Costa College delivers one of the strongest returns on investment in the Bay Area. Nearly all CCC students graduate without ever having taken out a student loan.
Education
Option
Avg. Cost
Avg. Debt
Lifetime
Earnings Boost
Time to
Pay Off
CCC
(with free tuition)
$0–$1,500
$0
$400,000+
0-1 years
CSU (In-State)
$23,000
$16,000
$1,000,000+
5-8 years
UC (In-State)
$35,000
$22,000
$1,300,000+
8-10 years
Private
University
$70,000+
$30,000+
$1,300,000+
12+ years
Average Cost
$0–$1,500
Average Debt
$0
Lifetime Earnings Boost
$400,000+
Time to Pay Off
0-1 years
Average Cost
$23,000
Average Debt
$16,000
Lifetime Earnings Boost
$1,000,000+
Time to Pay Off
5-8 years
Avgerage Cost
$35,000
Average Debt
$22,000
Lifetime Earnings Boost
$1,300,000+
Time to Pay Off
8-10 years
Average Cost
$70,000+
Average Debt
$30,000+
Lifetime Earnings Boost
$1,300,000+
Time to Pay Off
12+ years
Sources
- Lifetime earnings data: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, “The College Payoff” (2021)
- Cost and debt estimates: College Board’s Trends in College Pricing (2023) + CCC Foundation & institutional data
- ROI calculation: Lifetime earnings ÷ total cost of education (assumes 2–4 years of tuition for comparability)
What Sets CCC Apart
A Transformational Education in a Supportive Community
Small class sizes and faculty who know your name—CCC gives you the personal attention of a private college, right here in your community.
A Place to Belong and Begin Again
Whether you’re starting fresh or continuing your journey, students of all backgrounds find support, respect, and a sense of belonging at CCC.
Clear Paths to College and Career Success
Our guided pathways lead directly to CSU, UC, and top trade fields. You’ll also find hands-on opportunities like MESA STEM support and participation in the NASA Challenge.
Career Training That Gets You Hired – Fast!
Short-term programs are built with industry partners, so you can earn certificates and step into high-demand jobs without waiting years to start your career.
A Lifetime of Value Without the Burden of Debt
With most students graduating debt-free, you’ll have the freedom to pursue what matters—whether that’s transferring to a university, advancing your career, or building a better future.
What You Get
Free tuition for full-time or qualifying students
99% of students graduate debt-free
Financial aid help, counseling, tutoring
Day, evening + online options
Transfer + career support
What It Means for You
Save hundreds (or thousands) per class
99% chance of no student loan debt
Real, meaningful support services
A schedule that works for you
Being prepared and confident as you take those next steps