At $3,107/yr net price, Mt San Antonio College graduates earn $46,283/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,283/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,107 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $12,428 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,283/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,283/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,880 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,142/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,543/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,012/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,340/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,951/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 | $70,253 | $11,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $65,889 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $57,318 | |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $52,107 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $48,432 | |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $36,141 | |
| Air Transportation. | Associate | $35,416 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
39.3% of students at Mt San Antonio 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
Mt San Antonio College delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning $46,283 ten years out while carrying just $5,880 in median debt. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $70,253 in median earnings despite higher debt loads of $11,500.
Your best bet financially is healthcare. Registered nursing leads the pack, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $65,889 and clinical laboratory science at $57,318. Environmental control technologies also perform well at $52,107. These programs justify their costs and position you for middle-class earnings in Southern California's job market.
The school's main financial risk is its 39% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you get little return on your investment. The low net price of $3,107 annually limits your financial exposure, but incomplete programs still waste time and money.
Mt SAC makes financial sense if you're focused on healthcare careers, need affordable education while living at home, or want to complete prerequisites before transferring to a four-year school. The location in Los Angeles County provides access to numerous healthcare employers who actively recruit from the program.
Skip this school if you're seeking programs outside healthcare and technical fields, since earnings in other areas lag significantly. Also look elsewhere if you struggle with self-direction, since the low graduation rate suggests many students don't successfully handle to completion.
Financial aid is available to about one-third of students, though the already low sticker price means aid amounts are modest. Your main cost strategy should be completing your program quickly to minimize opportunity costs and maximize your time earning in the workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mt San Antonio College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Mt San Antonio College costs only $3,107 per year with low debt risk at $5,880 median, making it financially accessible. However, the 39% graduation rate and $46,283 average earnings after 10 years are below many four-year institutions.
What are the best paying programs at Mt San Antonio College?
Nursing programs offer the strongest return on investment, with registered nursing graduates earning $70,253 annually. Allied health diagnostic programs ($65,889) and clinical laboratory science ($57,318) also provide solid career prospects that justify the low tuition cost.
How much debt do Mt San Antonio College graduates typically have?
The median debt is just $5,880, which is manageable compared to most colleges. With annual tuition under $3,200, students can often graduate with minimal or no debt if they work part-time or receive financial aid.
Does Mt San Antonio College have good job placement after graduation?
The 39% graduation rate suggests many students don't complete their programs, which can limit career outcomes. Students who do graduate in nursing and allied health fields typically find stable employment, but completion rates remain a concern for overall value.