At $4,250/yr net price, Del Mar College graduates earn $38,656/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,656/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,250 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,656/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,656/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 12.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,320/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,840/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,768/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,141/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,022/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 | $59,964 | $7,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,087 | $3,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $43,240 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,369 | $5,085 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $35,416 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,771 | $4,700 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,455 | $5,250 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $16,169 |
The Risk Factor
12.8% of students at Del Mar 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
Del Mar College offers strong financial value with a net price of just $4,250 annually and low median debt of $5,500, but you face a significant completion risk with only 12.8% of students graduating.
The nursing program stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $59,964 annually despite slightly higher debt of $7,000. Allied health diagnostic programs also deliver strong returns at $46,087 with minimal debt of $3,500. Dental support services provide solid middle-ground earnings at $43,240. Criminal justice graduates earn $42,682, which represents decent value given the low overall costs.
The extremely low graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk at Del Mar. You could waste years and accumulate debt without completing your degree. This pattern suggests either academic preparation gaps or life circumstances that force students to drop out. The school serves many working adults and first-generation college students who face competing priorities.
Del Mar works best if you have clear career goals in healthcare fields, can commit to finishing your program, and need an affordable entry point into higher education. The nursing and allied health programs offer legitimate pathways to middle-class earnings in the growing Corpus Christi healthcare market.
Avoid Del Mar if you're uncertain about your major or lack strong study habits. The low completion rates suggest many students struggle to finish. You should also look elsewhere if you want a traditional college experience or plan to transfer to competitive four-year programs.
With only 33% of students receiving financial aid, many pay the full net price out of pocket, which remains manageable for most Texas families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Del Mar College worth the money?
Del Mar College offers strong value with a low net price of $4,250 per year and minimal debt risk at $5,500 median. However, the 12.8% graduation rate is concerning and could limit your return on investment if you don't complete your program.
What are the highest paying programs at Del Mar College?
Nursing programs at Del Mar College lead earnings at nearly $60,000 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $46,087. These healthcare-focused programs significantly outperform the overall graduate average of $38,656.
How much debt will I have after Del Mar College?
Del Mar College graduates carry relatively low debt with a median of $5,500. The low annual cost of $4,250 keeps borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is Del Mar College's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Del Mar College has a 12.8% graduation rate, which is low even for community colleges. This means most students either transfer or leave without completing their program, making program completion critical for seeing any return on investment.