At $5,247/yr net price, Palomar College graduates earn $42,300/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,300/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,247 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,988 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,300/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,300/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,065/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,554/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,762/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,075/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,879/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $84,691 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $69,338 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
33.8% of students at Palomar 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
Palomar College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs and complete their studies. The low $5,247 annual net price makes this one of the most affordable college options in Southern California, but the 33.8% graduation rate means many students walk away without credentials.
Your program choice determines everything here. Electrical and power transmission training leads to $84,691 median earnings, making it one of the highest-paying two-year programs in the state. Nursing graduates earn $69,338, reflecting strong demand in San Diego County's healthcare market. Even the general liberal arts program produces respectable $52,107 earnings, likely because many graduates transfer to four-year universities.
Social sciences graduates struggle financially with $24,035 median earnings, barely above minimum wage work. This program lacks the clear career pathway that makes Palomar's technical programs successful.
The biggest financial risk is not finishing. With only one in three students graduating, many accumulate debt and time costs without earning credentials. The low 17.16% financial aid rate suggests most students pay out of pocket, which reduces debt risk but may force students to work while studying.
Palomar works best financially if you target high-demand technical fields, can commit to full-time study, and live locally to avoid housing costs. Students seeking general education or exploring majors face higher dropout risk and should consider the time opportunity cost carefully. Transfer-focused students benefit from low-cost prerequisites, but must factor in additional bachelor's degree costs for full ROI calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palomar College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $5,247 per year, Palomar College offers a low-cost education, but graduates earn only $42,300 annually after 10 years. The low price helps offset below-average earnings, making it worthwhile if you complete a high-paying program like electrical work or nursing.
What are the best paying programs at Palomar College?
Electrical and power transmission installer programs lead to $84,691 average earnings, while nursing graduates earn $69,338. Liberal arts graduates earn $52,107, but social sciences majors only make $24,035 on average.
What is the graduation rate at Palomar College and does it affect ROI?
Only 33.8% of students graduate from Palomar College, which is low even for community colleges. This means many students pay tuition but never complete their programs, reducing the overall return on investment.
Should I attend Palomar College or transfer to a four-year school?
Palomar College works best as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university or for specific career training in electrical work and nursing. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs here.