At $-818/yr net price, San Diego City College graduates earn $38,503/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,503/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $-818 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $-3,272 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,503/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,503/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | -0.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,689 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,062/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,397/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,890/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,057/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 | $71,854 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $59,124 | |
| Biology, General. | Associate | $31,839 | |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $26,121 | |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,596 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,922 |
The Risk Factor
24.5% of students at San Diego City 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 Diego City College delivers strong financial returns despite its low graduation rate, with the school actually paying you $818 annually through financial aid that exceeds tuition costs. Your net cost is negative, making this one of the most affordable pathways to career training in California.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $71,854 annually compared to the overall median of $38,503. The electrical and power transmission program also delivers solid returns at $59,124, tapping into San Diego's growing infrastructure needs. These technical programs justify the time investment even with the school's 24.5% graduation rate.
Psychology and human services graduates face tougher financial prospects, earning $26,121 and $24,035 respectively. These programs may require additional education to reach viable salary levels, potentially negating the initial cost advantage.
Your biggest risk is not completing your program. With three-quarters of students leaving without graduating, you need strong motivation and clear career goals. The low median debt of $7,689 means financial damage from dropping out remains manageable.
This school works best if you're targeting specific vocational training, particularly in healthcare or skilled trades. The negative net price makes it ideal for career changers or those testing academic waters without major financial commitment. Skip San Diego City College if you need extensive academic support or prefer traditional college experiences, as the low graduation rate signals limited institutional support systems.
Financial aid covers most students' costs completely, with only 22% needing additional aid. Focus on programs with clear employment pathways rather than general studies that may lead nowhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego City College worth the cost?
San Diego City College has a negative net price of $818, meaning students typically receive more in financial aid than tuition costs. With graduates earning $38,503 annually after 10 years and low median debt of $7,689, the financial value is solid for a community college.
What are the highest paying programs at San Diego City College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $71,854 annually, followed by electrical and power transmission installer programs at $59,124. Most other programs like psychology and human services result in much lower earnings around $24,000-$31,000.
What is the graduation rate at San Diego City College?
San Diego City College has a 24.5% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges where many students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time while working.
How much debt do San Diego City College graduates have?
The median debt for San Diego City College graduates is $7,689, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. The school's negative net price means most students graduate with minimal debt burden.