Postsecondary education (PE) is vital to meet the needs of the changing economy. The cost to attend PE continues to increase, which has elevated student loans. The ratio of debt to potential future income should be a factor considered when choosing to pursue PE. Bakersfield College (BC) and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) are both public institutions, serving a similar student body of underrepresented minorities. The loan default rates of each institution differ; 3-year mean rates (2012-2014) for BC were 21.0%, compared to 6.4% at CSUB. The purpose of this study was to examine the economic impact of the undergraduate programs of BC and CSUB on the labor market in Kern County. Specifically, it compared the institutional alignment with the labor market, examined private and public net financial returns and assessed risk exposure to individuals by educational attainment. The top degrees at BC and CSUB do not align well with labor market demands in Kern County but do meet the generic demand for educated workers. The individual economic benefit exceeds the costs in the long run, but in the short run, it is dependent on the time it takes a student to complete their degree. The institutional economic benefits and costs were positive but are dependent upon students completing their degree and entering the labor market. Risk is most significant while a student is in school but diminishes when a degree is attained. Institutional risk and monetary loss are heavily impacted by market risk in Kern County. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]