At $4,667/yr net price, De Anza College graduates earn $56,596/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,596/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,667 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,668 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,596/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,596/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,625 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,046/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,354/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,804/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,628/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,644/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $95,739 |
The Risk Factor
67.8% of students at De Anza College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
De Anza College gives you a strong financial return, mostly because it costs so little to attend. At under $5,000 a year net price and a median debt of $5,625 at graduation, you can finish here owing less than many students pay for a single semester elsewhere. The median earnings of $56,596 ten years out sit well above what that debt load would justify, so the math works in your favor.
The clearest payoff here is nursing. The associate degree in Registered Nursing reports earnings near $96,000, which is nearly $40,000 above the school-wide median. If you can get into that program and finish, the return is hard to beat for a two-year public credential, especially given the Bay Area healthcare demand around Cupertino. That salary reflects an associate degree, so you don't need to transfer to a four-year school to earn it.
The risk at De Anza is the same as any community college: the earnings figures reflect people who finished. The 67.80% graduation rate is solid for a two-year school, but a third of students don't complete, and if you leave without a credential you get the cost with none of the salary. Programs outside nursing aren't listed with earnings data, so you should not assume every major here leads to the same return.
This school fits you if you want low-cost job training, a nursing career, or a cheap transfer path to a UC or Cal State. The net price stays low across income levels, but if your family earns under $30,000 you pay close to $3,000 a year, while families over $110,000 pay around $10,600. Either way, the total cost stays modest, so cost isn't a reason to look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is De Anza College worth the cost compared to other schools?
De Anza College offers strong value with a low net price of $4,667 per year and graduates earning $56,596 annually after 10 years. The minimal debt load of $5,625 makes it a financially safe choice, though earnings vary significantly by program.
What are the best paying programs at De Anza College?
Nursing programs at De Anza College lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making around $95,739 annually. These healthcare programs justify the investment far better than most other majors at the school.
How much debt do De Anza College students typically graduate with?
De Anza College students graduate with very low debt, with a median of just $5,625. This community college structure keeps costs down and reduces financial risk for students.
Does De Anza College have good graduation rates for the money?
De Anza College has a 67.8% graduation rate, which is reasonable for a community college. Combined with low costs and minimal debt, students face less financial risk even if they don't complete their program.