University of California-Riverside vs Riverside City College: which has better ROI?
The verdict
University of California-Riverside has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $57,216 in 3 years versus not at all at Riverside City College, on median earnings of $67,699 vs $41,091 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of California-Riverside | Riverside City College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,304 | $8,377 |
| Total net cost | $57,216 | $16,754 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $67,699 | $41,091 |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $8,000 |
| Payback | 3 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $329,564 | -$162,134 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
University of California-Riverside vs Riverside City College: frequently asked questions
Is University of California-Riverside or Riverside City College a better value?
University of California-Riverside. It clears its $57,216 net cost in about 3 years versus no clear payback at Riverside City College, on median earnings of $67,699 vs $41,091 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Riverside or Riverside City College?
Riverside City College: $8,377/yr net price after aid versus $14,304/yr at University of California-Riverside — a difference of $5,927 a year, or about $40,462 over four years.
Do University of California-Riverside or Riverside City College graduates earn more?
University of California-Riverside graduates earn a median $67,699 ten years after entry, versus $41,091 at Riverside City College — a $26,608 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.