At $10,176/yr net price, Modesto Junior College graduates earn $42,368/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,368/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,176 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,704 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,368/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,368/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,525/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,815/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,677/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,215/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 | $86,263 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,052 |
The Risk Factor
26.1% of students at Modesto Junior 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
Modesto Junior College offers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $86,263 annually, making it one of the strongest community college nursing programs in California's Central Valley. This creates excellent ROI given the school's low $10,176 annual net price.
Your program selection makes or breaks the financial equation here. Allied health programs produce modest $33,993 earnings, while liberal arts graduates face challenging $21,052 median earnings that barely exceed what many earn without college credentials. The 26% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could leave you with debt but no degree.
Modesto Junior College works best if you target specific career programs like nursing or use it as an affordable transfer pathway to four-year universities. The Central Valley's healthcare job market supports nursing graduates well, but limited opportunities exist for liberal arts majors unless you plan to transfer. Only 26% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most pay the relatively low sticker price out of pocket.
Skip this school if you want a traditional college experience or need extensive student support services. The low graduation rate indicates you'll need strong self-direction to complete your program. Consider it primarily if you're pursuing nursing, need an affordable transfer option to UC or CSU schools, or want specific career training in allied health fields where local employers actively recruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Modesto Junior College worth the cost?
Modesto Junior College offers strong value for specific career-focused programs, particularly nursing which leads to $86,263 median earnings. However, the overall 26% graduation rate and $42,368 median earnings for all graduates suggest mixed returns depending on your chosen program.
What programs at Modesto Junior College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Modesto Junior College provide the strongest return on investment with median earnings of $86,263. Allied health programs also perform well at $33,993, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $21,052.
How much debt do Modesto Junior College students typically have?
As a community college, Modesto Junior College has a relatively low net price of $10,176 per year. Most students can complete programs with minimal debt, especially those eligible for financial aid or California's Promise Grant program.
Why is Modesto Junior College's graduation rate so low?
The 26% graduation rate reflects the nature of community colleges where many students transfer to four-year schools, work part-time, or take longer to complete programs. This rate doesn't necessarily indicate poor value for students who complete their intended programs.