American River College

American River College is a public institution located in Sacramento, California, with an enrollment of approximately 25,621 students. It offers both in-state and out-of-state options, with in-state tuition set at $1,288 per year and out-of-state tuition at $12,616 per year.

The average annual net price — the total estimated cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, after grant and scholarship aid is applied — is $7,999. This figure represents what students typically pay out of pocket or through loans, and can exceed published tuition when living costs are factored in. About 21.1% of students receive Pell Grants, a federal aid program for students with demonstrated financial need. Borrowing is relatively uncommon at this school: only 2.9% of all students take out federal student loans. Among those who did borrow and completed their program, the median federal loan debt was $9,625.

Of students who borrowed federally, 25.6% are actively reducing their loan balances within three years of entering repayment — meaning that nearly three-quarters of borrowers are not yet paying down principal during that window, which may reflect income-driven repayment plans, deferment, or other factors.

Median earnings are reported at $40,162 per year, measured approximately ten years after enrollment. This figure covers all federally-aided students who enrolled at the school, including those who did not complete a credential, so it reflects a broad mix of outcomes rather than those of graduates alone.

American River College offers programs in skilled trades, including plumbing, making it a potential option for adults pursuing vocational and career-technical credentials in the Sacramento area.