At $1,996/yr net price, Moreno Valley College graduates earn $52,133/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,133/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,996 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $7,984 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,133/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,133/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,293/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,066/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,634/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,458/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,136/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,482 |
The Risk Factor
32.6% of students at Moreno Valley 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
Moreno Valley College delivers strong financial returns despite modest program earnings, with graduates earning a median of $52,133 annually while paying just $1,996 per year in net costs. This creates an strong cost-to-benefit ratio that few four-year institutions can match.
The earnings data reveals a concerning pattern across programs. Biological and Physical Sciences graduates earn $25,967, while Liberal Arts majors earn only $20,482. These figures fall well below living wages in Southern California's expensive Riverside County market, where median household income exceeds $70,000.
The 32.6% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk at Moreno Valley College. You face a two-thirds chance of leaving without completing your program, potentially wasting time and opportunity costs even at this low-cost institution.
This school works best as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. You should view it as an affordable way to complete general education requirements before transferring to a four-year university, or as job training for specific technical careers not reflected in the liberal arts earnings data.
The financial aid environment appears unusually tight, with only 20.5% of students receiving aid compared to typical community college rates above 60%. This suggests either limited aid availability or a student population that doesn't qualify for assistance. You should verify aid eligibility early and consider this school primarily if you can afford the low sticker price without borrowing.
Moreno Valley College makes financial sense for students planning to transfer quickly or those seeking specific vocational training. It's a poor choice if you're looking for career-ready programs that justify stopping at the associate degree level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moreno Valley College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $1,996 per year net price, Moreno Valley College offers one of the lowest costs in California. However, graduates earn $52,133 after 10 years, which is below the state average for college graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Moreno Valley College and does it affect ROI?
Moreno Valley College has a 32.6% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their programs. This significantly reduces the school's overall value since non-graduates typically don't see the earnings boost.
Which programs at Moreno Valley College have the best return on investment?
Biological and Physical Sciences graduates earn $25,967 annually, the highest among the school's programs. Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $20,482, making program choice critical for ROI.
Should I choose Moreno Valley College if I'm worried about student debt?
The low net price of $1,996 makes Moreno Valley College a good choice for avoiding debt. However, the low graduation rate means many students spend money without completing their degree.