At $8,234/yr net price, San Bernardino Valley College graduates earn $39,676/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,676/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,234 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,936 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,676/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,676/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,059/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,949/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,452/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,273/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,367/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $76,460 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,109 | |
| Education, General. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $33,281 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $27,476 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $20,530 |
The Risk Factor
22.1% of students at San Bernardino 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
San Bernardino Valley College offers a mixed financial return that depends heavily on your program choice. The low annual net price of $8,234 keeps debt manageable, but the 22% graduation rate creates significant completion risk that can derail any return on investment.
Mental Health Services graduates earn $76,460 annually, making this program the clear financial winner at SBVC. Nursing also delivers strong returns at $54,109, both programs justifying the investment despite the school's overall completion challenges. However, most other popular programs lag behind regional wage expectations, with Accounting graduates earning just $31,133 and Vehicle Maintenance graduates at $33,281.
Your biggest financial risk here is not finishing. With only one in five students completing their program, you face substantial odds of paying tuition costs without earning a credential. The Inland Empire job market can support nursing and mental health graduates, but other program graduates may struggle to find wages that significantly exceed what you could earn with just a high school diploma.
SBVC makes financial sense if you can commit to nursing or mental health programs and have strong study habits to overcome the low completion rates. The affordable tuition means even moderate earnings gains can generate positive returns. However, if you're uncertain about your major or lack strong academic preparation, the completion risk outweighs the low cost advantage.
With only 27% of students receiving financial aid, most students pay the full net price. Focus on completing quickly to minimize total costs, and consider whether the four-year universities in the Cal State system might offer better completion support for a modest increase in cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Bernardino Valley College worth the cost?
San Bernardino Valley College offers a low net price of $8,234 per year, but graduates earn only $39,676 annually after 10 years. The 22% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, making the investment risky for most students.
What programs at San Bernardino Valley College have the best ROI?
Mental health services programs lead with $76,460 in earnings, followed by nursing at $54,109. Most other programs, including education and accounting, produce earnings below $40,000, which barely justifies even the low tuition costs.
How much debt do San Bernardino Valley College graduates typically have?
As a community college, San Bernardino Valley College has relatively low costs at $8,234 annually. However, with only 22% of students graduating and median earnings under $40,000, even small amounts of debt can become problematic for many students.
Does San Bernardino Valley College provide good financial aid?
The $8,234 net price suggests decent financial aid for a community college. However, the extremely low graduation rate and poor earnings outcomes mean financial aid alone doesn't solve the fundamental value problem at this institution.