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 costs you almost nothing to attend, and that changes the entire ROI math. At roughly $2,000 a year net, you can finish an associate degree for less than a single semester at most four-year schools. The median earnings a decade out land in the low $50,000s, which is a solid return against a near-zero price tag.
The catch is finishing. Fewer than a third of students graduate, so the real risk here is not debt but paying and leaving without a credential. If you enroll, treat completion as the whole game, because the low cost only pays off if you walk out with the degree.
The program earnings data tells a narrow story. The two associate tracks with reported outcomes, biological and physical sciences and liberal arts and general studies, both post earnings well under the school-wide median. That gap is a clue: these associate pathways function as transfer stepping stones toward a four-year degree, not as terminal degrees that pay on their own. If you stop at the associate level in either, expect earnings closer to $20,000-$26,000 than to $52,000.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most directly. Under $48,000 in household income, you pay barely more than $1,000 a year. Above $75,000, your price climbs to around $7,000 to $7,500, still cheap in absolute terms but roughly seven times what the lowest earners pay.
This school fits you if you want a low-cost start and plan to transfer to a bachelor's program. It fits you less if you need a terminal associate degree that pays on its own, since the listed programs do not deliver that. Go in with a transfer plan and a hard commitment to finish.
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.