At $2,755/yr net price, Grossmont College graduates earn $40,309/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,309/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,755 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,020 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,309/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,309/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,625 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,681/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,400/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,510/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,421/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,775/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $45,529 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,102 |
The Risk Factor
31.6% of students at Grossmont 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
Grossmont College delivers solid financial returns for your educational investment, with a low annual cost of $2,755 making it one of the most affordable pathways to career training in San Diego County. Your return depends heavily on program choice, with allied health and nursing graduates earning substantially more than the median while liberal arts students face challenging job prospects.
The allied health programs at Grossmont represent the strongest financial bet, with graduates earning $63,005 annually. Nursing graduates also see solid returns at $45,529, both well above the regional median for community college graduates. However, the liberal arts program shows concerning earnings of just $20,102, barely above minimum wage levels despite completing a degree.
The school's 32% graduation rate presents a significant risk to your investment. Nearly seven out of ten students fail to complete their programs, meaning you face substantial odds of leaving without credentials while still carrying debt. The median debt load of $8,625 remains manageable compared to four-year institutions, but only if you actually graduate.
Grossmont works best financially if you target healthcare programs and can commit to completion. The school serves students well who need affordable local training for technical careers, particularly those already working who can attend part-time. However, if you're considering liberal arts or lack strong study habits that increase dropout risk, you should explore other options.
Financial aid reaches only 24% of students, reflecting the school's low sticker price. Merit scholarships are limited, but the base cost remains low enough that most students can avoid significant borrowing with careful planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grossmont College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $2,755 per year, Grossmont College offers strong value for students who complete programs, especially in allied health fields that lead to $63,000+ salaries. The low cost makes it a smart choice for career training, though the 32% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Grossmont College?
Allied health diagnostic programs produce the highest returns at $63,005 annually, followed by nursing at $45,529. Liberal arts graduates earn much less at $20,102, making career-focused programs the better financial choice.
How much debt do Grossmont College students typically graduate with?
Graduates carry a median debt of $8,625, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. Students in high-paying health programs can easily handle this debt load, while those in general studies may struggle more.
Do Grossmont College graduates earn enough to justify the investment?
Graduates earn $40,309 ten years after starting, which provides decent returns given the low cost. However, success depends heavily on program choice and actually graduating, since most students don't complete their programs.