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 keeps your cost down and your borrowing low, but the payoff after graduation is modest and the odds of finishing are the real problem. With a $5,500 median debt, you can pay off what you owe without a heavy monthly burden. The trouble is a 12.8% graduation rate, which means most of the time you enroll here, you leave without the credential you came for.
The low net price is the strongest thing going for you. Even at the top income tier, you pay far less than a typical four-year school, and the price rises gently as family income climbs. If your family earns under $48k, you pay roughly a third of what the highest earners pay, so the cost is genuinely manageable at the low end.
Median earnings of $38,656 ten years out sit below what a four-year degree usually returns, but that number reflects a student body where few finish and many enroll in shorter career and technical programs tied to the Corpus Christi job market. No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat that median as a broad signal rather than a promise for any specific major.
The financial risk here is not debt. It is spending time and tuition and walking away with nothing to show for it. If you are disciplined, know what program you want, and plan to transfer or complete a specific technical credential, the low cost makes Del Mar a reasonable bet. If you need a structured environment that pushes you to the finish line, the completion numbers say to look harder before you commit.
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.