At $4,260/yr net price, Merced College graduates earn $37,815/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,815/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,260 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,040 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,815/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,815/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,274/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,119/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,053/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,198/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,577/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 | $89,672 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $45,696 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,988 | |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $19,227 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $16,478 |
The Risk Factor
29.1% of students at Merced 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
Merced College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with nursing graduates earning nearly double the median for all graduates. The $4,260 annual net price makes this one of California's most affordable pathways to career training, but your program choice will determine whether you see real financial gains.
Registered nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $89,672 annually compared to the overall median of $37,815. Even the practical nursing program generates solid returns at $45,696. Criminal justice graduates earn modestly at $30,988, which still represents reasonable value given the low cost of attendance.
Psychology and human development programs show concerning earnings outcomes below $20,000 annually. If you're considering these fields, you should plan to transfer to a four-year institution rather than entering the workforce directly with an associate degree from Merced.
The 29% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment. However, students who do finish typically see their education pay off within a few years given the low debt burden. The regional job market in California's Central Valley supports healthcare workers well but offers limited opportunities for other fields.
You're a good fit for Merced College if you want affordable healthcare training or need general education credits before transferring. With only 33% of students receiving financial aid, many pay the full net price, which remains manageable for most California residents. Avoid this school if you need extensive student support services or want to complete a liberal arts degree here rather than transferring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced College worth the money?
Merced College offers strong value with a low net price of $4,260 per year and graduates earning $37,815 annually after 10 years. The nursing programs provide excellent returns, with registered nursing graduates earning nearly $90,000, though the 29% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying majors at Merced College?
Registered nursing is by far the highest-paying program at Merced College, with graduates earning $89,672 annually. Practical nursing graduates earn $45,696, while other programs like criminal justice ($30,988) and psychology ($19,227) offer much lower returns.
How much debt do Merced College students graduate with?
With a net price of just $4,260 per year, Merced College students can graduate with minimal debt if they complete their programs. The low cost makes it one of the more affordable college options in California.
What is the graduation rate at Merced College?
Only 29% of students graduate from Merced College, which is well below the national average. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor that prospective students should consider when evaluating the school's value.