“Golden Returns: Which Community Colleges Deliver the Best Economic Outcomes” on The Rant Podcast with Eloy Ortiz Oakley of College Futures Foundation

September 23, 2025

Season four of the Rant Podcast kicks off with a deep dive into educational value and economic mobility. Host Eloy Ortiz-Oakley welcomes returning guest Michael Itzkowitz to discuss their groundbreaking "Golden Returns" report examining which California community colleges and certificate programs deliver the strongest financial returns for students.

The conversation unveils surprising findings about which two-year institutions truly help students climb the economic ladder. Itzkowitz explains how they measured return on investment by comparing attendance costs against earnings premiums, revealing that some institutions enable students to recoup their educational investment in as little as a year through higher earnings. The analysis spans 327 institutions across 12 California regions, recognizing that most community college students choose schools within driving distance of home.

What makes this research particularly timely is its alignment with new federal accountability measures. As Ortiz-Oakley and Itzkowitz discuss, recent legislation will require degree programs to demonstrate that graduates earn more than typical high school graduates – though certificate programs remain exempt despite being analyzed in the Golden Returns report. This accountability gap represents both a challenge and opportunity for institutions and policymakers.

Beyond the data, the conversation explores how institutional leaders are responding to these findings. Some college presidents, like Dr. Keith Curry from Compton College, are using even less-than-flattering results as catalysts for improvement, examining program offerings and workforce alignment. This exemplifies the report's ultimate purpose: not to shame institutions, but to spark meaningful conversations about educational value.

Whether you're a student weighing educational options, an institutional leader seeking improvement strategies, or a policy advocate working toward greater transparency in higher education, this episode offers invaluable insights into the economics of two-year college education. Check out the full Golden Returns report at collegefutures.org to see how institutions in your region perform.