At $13,438/yr net price, Mesa Community College graduates earn $44,034/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,034/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,438 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,752 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,034/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,034/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,473 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,407/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,013/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,755/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,002/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,916/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 | $55,964 | $6,606 |
| Ground Transportation. | Associate | $49,019 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $44,170 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $39,729 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $33,565 | $9,000 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,459 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $32,391 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Fire Protection. | Certificate | $30,409 |
The Risk Factor
19.2% of students at Mesa Community 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
Mesa Community College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $44,034 ten years after enrollment and a troubling 19% graduation rate. The low completion rate means four out of five students leave without finishing their program, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating nearly $56,000 in median earnings with manageable debt around $6,600. Dental support services also performs well at $44,170. Ground transportation and precision metalworking programs offer decent earning potential for students who complete them, though these trades face local market limitations in the Phoenix area.
Computer networking programs underperform badly, producing median earnings of just $34,000 despite Arizona's growing tech sector. You should avoid this program and look elsewhere for technology training.
The biggest risk at Mesa Community College is simply not finishing. The 19% graduation rate means your odds of completing any program are poor. Students who struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support face high dropout risk here.
Mesa works best for self-motivated students targeting nursing or specific trades who can handle the system independently. If you need significant academic support or want technology training, community colleges with stronger completion rates and better tech programs will serve you better financially.
The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial assistance beyond federal programs. Focus on completing quickly to minimize total costs, since the longer you stay, the more likely you are to join the 81% who leave empty-handed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mesa Community College worth the cost?
Mesa Community College offers decent value for specific career programs, especially nursing which pays $55,964 after graduation. The low median debt of $7,473 reduces financial risk, but the 19% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Mesa Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs provide the strongest return at Mesa Community College, with graduates earning $55,964 annually. Ground transportation and dental support programs also offer solid earning potential at $49,019 and $44,170 respectively.
How much debt do Mesa Community College graduates typically have?
Mesa Community College graduates have a median debt of just $7,473, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. This low debt load makes the financial risk relatively small even if career outcomes vary.
Do Mesa Community College graduates earn good salaries?
Mesa Community College graduates earn $44,034 on average ten years after starting school. This varies significantly by program, with nursing graduates earning much more while some programs lead to lower-paying jobs.