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Head-to-head comparison

Las Positas College vs Dominican University of California: which has better ROI?

Public, Livermore CA · vs · Private nonprofit, San Rafael CA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Livermore, CA

Las Positas College

Net price / year
$5,377
Earnings, 10 years
$51,088
Payback
3.9 yrs

Option B San Rafael, CA

Dominican University of California

Net price / year
$35,333
Earnings, 10 years
$84,713
Payback
3.9 yrs
The verdict

Dominican University of California has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $141,332 in 3.9 years versus 3.9 years at Las Positas College, on median earnings of $84,713 vs $51,088 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLas Positas CollegeDominican University of California
Net price / yr$5,377$35,333
Total net cost$10,754$141,332
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,088$84,713
Median debt—$27,000
Payback3.9 yrs3.9 yrs
20-year net return$43,806$585,728

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Las Positas College or Dominican University of California?

Las Positas College, at $5,377 a year after aid versus $35,333 — a gap of $29,956 a year, or $130,578 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Las Positas College or Dominican University of California graduates earn more?

Dominican University of California graduates report a median $84,713 ten years after entry, $33,625 more than the $51,088 at Las Positas College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

78% of students finish at Dominican University of California, against 53% at Las Positas College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Las Positas College vs Dominican University of California: frequently asked questions

Is Las Positas College or Dominican University of California a better value?
Dominican University of California. It clears its $141,332 net cost in about 3.9 years versus 3.9 years at Las Positas College, on median earnings of $84,713 vs $51,088 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Las Positas College or Dominican University of California?
Las Positas College: $5,377/yr net price after aid versus $35,333/yr at Dominican University of California — a difference of $29,956 a year, or about $130,578 over four years.
Do Las Positas College or Dominican University of California graduates earn more?
Dominican University of California graduates earn a median $84,713 ten years after entry, versus $51,088 at Las Positas College — a $33,625 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.