Social Sciences at Barstow Community College

Barstow Community College students leave this program with remarkably low debt—just $5,588, better than 90% of similar programs nationwide—but they're trading that advantage for some of the weakest earnings outcomes in California. At $22,398 in the first year, graduates earn about $3,000 less than the typical California community college social sciences graduate, landing at the 40th percentile statewide. The gap is even starker when you look at top-performing programs like Merced College ($34,168) or Sierra College ($30,103), which deliver 50% higher starting salaries.

The positive news is that debt levels are genuinely manageable—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 means graduates owe less than three months' salary—and earnings do improve 13% by year four. For a student who needs to stay close to home or values minimal debt above all else, this program won't create a financial crisis. But those same students might explore options at higher-performing California community colleges if they're willing to relocate, especially since in-state tuition keeps costs comparable across the system. The nearly $12,000 earnings difference between Barstow and top programs like Merced represents real money over a career, even accounting for slightly higher debt levels elsewhere.