Las Positas College Ranked Among California’s Best for Student ROI

Chamber MEMBER News/Article

Las Positas College (LPC) has been recognized as one of the top 25 community and career colleges in California delivering the highest return on investment (ROI) for students, according to Golden Returns: A Regional Look at the ROI of California’s Community and Career Colleges.
 
The statewide analysis, conducted by the College Futures Foundation in partnership with The HEA Group, evaluated 327 institutions and more than 1.2 million students. Las Positas College ranked 20th overall, with typical students able to recover their educational costs within six months of completing their program.
 
Las Positas College’s exceptional value and performance are further affirmed by Niche’s 2026 rankings, which place LPC as the #2 community college in California and #4 in the nation among more than 600 two-year institutions. Together, these recognitions underscore LPC’s role as one of the best and most affordable pathways to higher education and career success.
 
“Las Positas College is proud to be recognized as one of California’s top community colleges for return on investment. This distinction reinforces our mission to provide transformative educational experiences that not only prepare students for academic achievement but also create lasting pathways to economic mobility. We are proud to serve as a model for what accessible, high-value education can achieve,” said Dr. Dyrell Foster, president of Las Positas College.
 
This honor reflects LPC’s commitment to providing affordable, high-quality education that leads directly to meaningful careers and transfer opportunities. With annual costs under $5,000 and graduates earning significantly more than peers with only a high school diploma, LPC ensures students see both immediate and long-term benefits from their education.
 
Las Positas College continues to be recognized for:

  • Student Success: Consistently high transfer rates to UC and CSU campuses.
  • Career Readiness: Strong partnerships with regional employers, preparing students for in-demand jobs.
  • Equity and Access: Programs designed to serve students from diverse backgrounds and support first-generation college students.
  • Community Impact: A central role in strengthening the Tri-Valley region’s workforce and economy.
 
Being named among California’s best colleges for ROI, and one of the nation’s top community colleges by Niche, underscores LPC’s role as both an educational leader and an engine of upward mobility in the Bay Area.
 
The full Golden Returns report is available at collegefutures.org/golden-returns-2-year-ROI.
About Las Positas College
Las Positas College currently enrolls nearly 8,500 day and evening students. The College offers a curriculum for students seeking career preparation, transfer to a four-year college or university, or personal enrichment. The College provides university transfer classes, retraining classes for those in need of employment or career advancement, a first-time educational opportunity for many adults, enrichment classes for those seeking a broader perspective, and career and technical training for those entering the technical and paraprofessional workforce. Las Positas College excels in helping students transfer to the University of California system, the California State University system, and other four-year institutions. Las Positas College is a learning-centered institution focused on excellence and student success and is fully committed to supporting all Tri-Valley residents in their quest for education and advancement
 

Las Positas College Ranked Among California’s Best for Student ROI