At $6,187/yr net price, Cuyamaca College graduates earn $32,435/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,187 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,748 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,565/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,626/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,809/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,852/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,016/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,850/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $13,702 |
The Risk Factor
33.5% of students at Cuyamaca College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Cuyamaca College delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify for most career-focused students. With median earnings of $32,435 ten years after enrollment, you'll struggle to see meaningful income growth above what many high school graduates earn without college debt.
The earnings data reveals troubling patterns across programs. Liberal Arts graduates earn just $25,194 annually, while Human Development majors face even worse prospects at $13,702 per year. These figures fall well below living wages in San Diego County, where housing costs alone can consume most of your income.
The 33.5% graduation rate compounds the financial risk. Two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This pattern suggests either inadequate student support or programs that don't match student needs.
Your best financial strategy here involves using Cuyamaca as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint. Complete general education requirements at the low annual cost of $6,187, then transfer to a four-year university for career-focused programs with better earning potential. The college works well for students planning this transfer route or those seeking specific certifications not reflected in the earnings data.
Avoid Cuyamaca if you need immediate career training with strong income prospects. The combination of low completion rates and poor earnings outcomes makes it unsuitable for students who cannot afford to extend their education beyond the associate level. Consider trade schools or direct employment instead for better financial outcomes in the San Diego job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cuyamaca College worth the money?
At $6,187 per year, Cuyamaca College offers affordable education, but graduates earn only $32,435 after 10 years. The low cost helps minimize debt risk, though earning potential remains limited compared to four-year degrees.
What is the graduation rate at Cuyamaca College?
Cuyamaca College has a 33.5% graduation rate, meaning two-thirds of students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is typical for community colleges but affects the school's overall value proposition.
Which Cuyamaca College programs have the best job prospects?
Liberal Arts graduates from Cuyamaca College earn around $25,194 after graduation, while Human Development program graduates earn significantly less at $13,702. Most programs lead to modest earning potential that reflects the community college level.
How much debt do Cuyamaca College students typically have?
The low annual cost of $6,187 at Cuyamaca College means students can graduate with minimal debt if they complete their programs. This makes it a reasonable choice for students seeking affordable credentials or planning to transfer to four-year schools.