At $5,290/yr net price, San Antonio College graduates earn $39,711/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,711/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,290 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,160 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,711/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,711/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,617/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,433/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,895/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,106/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,576/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 | $57,770 | $10,293 |
| Fire Protection. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $33,459 | |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $32,563 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $32,119 | |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,353 | $9,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,194 | $9,711 |
| Social Work. | Associate | $23,351 |
The Risk Factor
22.1% of students at 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
San Antonio College delivers strong returns for students who complete targeted career programs, but the 22% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk for many who enroll.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $57,770 annually while carrying manageable debt loads around $10,300. This represents excellent ROI in a high-demand field where San Antonio's growing healthcare sector provides abundant job opportunities. Fire protection and accounting programs also offer solid earning potential relative to the low cost of attendance.
Your biggest financial risk lies in not completing your program. With fewer than one in four students graduating, you face high odds of accumulating debt and time costs without earning a credential. The low net price of $5,290 annually limits your downside, but incomplete programs still represent lost opportunity costs.
This school makes financial sense if you enroll in a specific career-focused program with clear job market demand and commit fully to completion. The nursing program particularly offers strong value for students willing to handle the academic rigor. Students seeking broad liberal arts education or those unsure about their career direction face higher financial risks given the completion rates.
Financial aid reaches about one-third of students, which is relatively low for a public institution. You should expect to pay most costs out of pocket or through loans, making the low sticker price important to the school's value proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Antonio College worth the cost for career outcomes?
San Antonio College offers solid value at $5,290 per year, especially for nursing programs where graduates earn $57,770 annually. However, the 22% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the best paying programs at San Antonio College?
Nursing programs at San Antonio College provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $57,770 annually. Fire protection and accounting programs offer more modest returns at $32,000-38,000 per year.
How much student debt do San Antonio College graduates typically have?
San Antonio College graduates have relatively low debt at $10,500 median, making it manageable compared to four-year schools. The bigger risk is not graduating at all, given the low completion rate.
Does San Antonio College provide good ROI compared to other Texas community colleges?
San Antonio College's ROI depends heavily on program choice and completion. While nursing graduates see strong returns that justify costs, the overall 10-year earnings of $39,711 are modest for the region.