At $7,098/yr net price, Mt San Jacinto Community College District graduates earn $38,319/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,319/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,098 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,392 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,319/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,319/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,082/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,626/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,477/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,060/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,165/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $13,702 |
The Risk Factor
36.5% of students at Mt San Jacinto Community College District 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 Jacinto Community College District offers weak financial returns that struggle to justify even its low $7,098 annual cost. With median earnings of just $38,319 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate below 37%, your investment faces significant headwinds in this desert region where economic opportunities remain limited.
The earnings data reveals concerning patterns across programs. Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn only $13,702 annually, which falls well below poverty thresholds and suggests many graduates remain underemployed or work part-time. This creates a negative return on investment even at community college prices, particularly when you factor in opportunity costs and living expenses during school.
Your best financial strategy here involves using Mt San Jacinto as a transfer platform to four-year universities rather than pursuing terminal degrees. The school serves students who need affordable general education credits before transferring to higher-earning programs elsewhere. If you plan to stay local after graduation, the regional job market around San Jacinto and Hemet offers limited high-paying opportunities outside healthcare and public safety roles.
Skip this school if you can access better community colleges in Riverside or Orange County, where stronger regional economies provide more post-graduation opportunities. Mt San Jacinto works financially only for students who must stay local due to family obligations or those using it as an inexpensive stepping stone to transfer. With only one-third of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarship opportunities appear minimal, making affordability dependent on your family's ability to pay the full net price upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mt San Jacinto Community College District worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,098 per year and 10-year earnings of $38,319, the college offers reasonable value for basic education. However, the 36.5% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which reduces the return on investment.
What programs at Mt San Jacinto Community College District have the best ROI?
The top programs are Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities, with median debt of $13,702. These general education programs typically serve as stepping stones to four-year universities rather than direct career training.
How much debt do Mt San Jacinto Community College District students graduate with?
Students in the main programs graduate with around $13,702 in debt. Given the relatively low earnings of $38,319 after 10 years, this debt level represents a manageable but modest return on investment.
Should I attend Mt San Jacinto Community College District or go straight to a four-year school?
Mt San Jacinto works best as an affordable way to complete general education requirements before transferring to a four-year university. The low graduation rate suggests students should have a clear transfer plan to maximize their investment.