At $27,032/yr net price, Menlo College graduates earn $76,419/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $42,419/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,032 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $108,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $76,419/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$42,419/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,525/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,579/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,099/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,519/yr |
| $110,001+ | $36,551/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $66,325 | $26,955 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $22,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,321 | $23,250 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
51.3% of students at Menlo College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Menlo College delivers weak financial returns despite its Silicon Valley location. With a graduation rate barely above 50% and median earnings of $76,419 ten years post-graduation, you face significant risk that your investment won't pay off.
Your major choice makes a dramatic difference here. Accounting graduates earn $66,325 annually but carry higher debt loads at $26,955. The other business programs perform poorly, with marketing majors earning just $42,682 despite similar debt burdens. Finance graduates at $46,321 represent another weak outcome given the school's premium pricing and tech-adjacent location.
The numbers reveal troubling patterns. Nearly 30% of students receive financial aid, yet the net price remains steep at $27,032 annually. The 69% retention rate signals that many students transfer out, likely recognizing the poor value proposition. You risk joining the roughly half of students who never graduate.
Menlo College makes financial sense only if you're targeting accounting specifically and have strong family financial backing. The school's Silicon Valley connections might open doors, but the earnings data shows these relationships aren't translating into high-paying jobs for most graduates.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering general business, marketing, or finance. State schools offer similar business programs with better graduation rates and lower costs. The premium you pay here doesn't generate premium outcomes. California residents especially have superior options through the UC and CSU systems that deliver stronger ROI across all business disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Menlo College worth the cost?
Menlo College graduates earn $76,419 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $21,750, making it financially viable for most students. However, the 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying programs at Menlo College?
Accounting graduates from Menlo College earn the highest salaries at $66,325, significantly outpacing other business programs like finance ($46,321) and marketing ($42,682). Business administration graduates earn $47,260, making accounting the clear financial winner.
How much debt do Menlo College students typically graduate with?
Menlo College graduates have a median debt of $21,750, which is manageable given the average starting salaries. The net price of $27,032 per year means most students can graduate with reasonable debt levels.
Does Menlo College have good job placement after graduation?
While Menlo College graduates earn solid salaries, the 51% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. The school's business focus does lead to decent employment outcomes for those who graduate.