At $5,198/yr net price, Mission College graduates earn $50,936/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,936/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,198 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,792 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,936/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,936/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,856/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,738/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,959/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,157/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,049/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 | $84,653 |
The Risk Factor
52.5% of students at Mission 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
Mission College delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning $50,936 annually ten years after enrollment while paying just $5,198 per year in net costs. The math works heavily in your favor if you complete your program.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at Mission College, with registered nurses earning $84,653 annually. This program justifies the time and effort investment, especially given the strong healthcare job market in the Bay Area. Other career programs likely generate lower returns, though specific earnings data for non-nursing majors remains limited.
The biggest financial risk here is the 52.5% graduation rate. Nearly half of students who start at Mission College don't finish, meaning you could spend money and time without earning credentials that boost your income. This risk is particularly acute if you're using the college as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year school.
Mission College makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or using it as an affordable pathway to transfer to a UC or Cal State campus. The low net price means you can complete prerequisites without accumulating significant debt. However, if you're unsure about your academic commitment or career direction, the graduation rate suggests you might struggle to complete your goals.
Only 16.22% of students receive financial aid, indicating most students pay the relatively low sticker price. This suggests fewer merit scholarship opportunities compared to schools where aid is more common, but the base price remains manageable for most California residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mission College worth the cost for nursing programs?
Mission College's nursing programs show strong ROI with graduates earning around $84,653 annually, well above the overall graduate average of $50,936. The low net price of $5,198 per year makes nursing one of the few programs where the investment clearly pays off.
What is Mission College's return on investment compared to other schools?
Mission College graduates earn $50,936 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. However, the extremely low net price of $5,198 per year reduces financial risk compared to more expensive institutions.
How much debt do Mission College students typically graduate with?
With a net price of only $5,198 per year, most Mission College students graduate with minimal debt compared to four-year universities. The low cost structure makes it a safer financial choice, though earnings potential varies significantly by program.
Should I attend Mission College if I'm not studying nursing?
Mission College's 52.5% graduation rate and $50,936 average earnings suggest mixed outcomes for non-nursing programs. The low cost reduces financial risk, but students should carefully research job prospects in their specific field of study.