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Value and Affordability

Home Why ARC? Value and Affordability

The best value in higher education

American River College is a smart move financially. At only $46 per unit, California community colleges give you the best value for your education, while accumulating less debt. You can transfer to your dream school for a fraction of the cost of a four-year college, stay close to home, and save on career training to secure a high-paying job.

Invest in your future

A study by the California Community Colleges found that, for every dollar students spend on their community college education, they gain $5 in higher earnings in the future. In addition, graduates with an associate degree from a California community college will see an increase of $11,100 in annual earnings compared to those with only a high school diploma.

The Los Rios Promise

The Los Rios Promise program offers first time, full time students a year of tuition free education. If you are a California resident, are a first-time college student, and take 15 units during the fall and spring semesters, your tuition fees are waived! Learn more now about the Los Rios Promise program!

ARC also offers over $200,000 in Los Rios Foundation scholarships to students each year

Scholarships applications are typically accepted from mid-January to early-March annually. There are a wide variety of scholarship opportunities. Learn more now about Los Rios Foundation scholarships.

How much does it cost to attend ARC?

Learn more in our Cost of Attendance section.

Institution Type: Public, 2-year
Size: Very Large ( 31,000+ undergrad )
Award Levels: Certificate, Associate
In-State Tuition $46 per unit
Out-of-State Tuition $395 per unit
Online Degrees Offered: Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 28 to 1