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CCC Pays Off

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.


$100–$133

$93

$22–$43

$267–$400

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

$0–$1,500

$0

$400,000+

0-1 years

$23,000

$16,000

$1,000,000+

5-8 years

$35,000

$22,000

$1,300,000+

8-10 years

$70,000+

$30,000+

$1,300,000+

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)

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.

Most full-time students pay $0

99% of students graduate debt-free

Financial aid help, counseling, tutoring

Day, evening, and online options

Degrees, certificates, and transfer prep

Free tuition

No student loan debt

Real support services

Flexible class schedules

Career and transfer paths