SIDEBAR: College costs and entry-level job salaries

This information shows the annual costs for single students during the 2000-2001 school year, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, transportation and personal expenses such as clothing, laundry and entertainment. Contact each college for specific costs.
California Community Colleges: $5,808 (off-campus) $10,848 (on-campus) $8,390 (commuting)
California State University $7,364 $12,404 $10,912
University of California $9,480 $14,739 $14,520
Independent colleges $29,944 $34,984 $35,144
Source: California Student Aid Commission

Computing financial need
College costs (tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food, transportation, personal expenses and in some cases, a computer)

Minus your expected family contribution (how much you and your parents could pay)
= your financial need
Source: California Student Aid Commission "Fund your future" workbook

Annual Salaries (estimated entry-level)

Before accepting a loan, consider your future income and ability to repay.

Accountant with bachelor’s degree $34,500
Architect $35,200
Chemist with bachelor’s degree $29,500
Civil Engineer with bachelor’s degree $36,100
College/University Faculty Instructor $33,400
Computer Programmer $40,800
Computer System Analyst $45,700
Cosmetologist and Barber $15,150
Dental Assistant $22,630
Emergency Medical Technician $20,290
Firefighter $26,900
Forester/Conservation Scientist $26,100
Graphic Designer $23,790
Lawyer $45,000
Mathematician with bachelor’s degree $37,300
Medical Assistant $17,020
Registered Nurse $34,430
Occupational Therapist $39,140
Pharmacist $52,310
Physical Therapist $44,460
Physician (First Year Resident) $34,100
Police Officer $28,200
Psychologist with bachelor’s degree $20,600
School Counselor $28,400
Secretary $18,400
Social Worker with bachelor’s degree $24,160
Teacher $25,700
Veterinarian $35,900
Web Developer $47,000
Writer/Editor $27,030