At $-904/yr net price, San Diego Mesa College graduates earn $45,120/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,120/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $-904 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $-3,616 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,120/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,120/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | -0.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $4,725 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,115/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,170/yr |
| $110,001+ | $3,323/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $32,284 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,228 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,669 | |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Biology, General. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Sociology. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
33.8% of students at San Diego Mesa 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 Mesa College delivers strong financial value with a negative net price of $904, meaning you receive more in aid than you pay in costs. This community college essentially pays you to attend while providing solid career preparation in high-demand fields.
Allied health programs generate the strongest returns, with medical assisting graduates earning $47,260 annually. Health administration also performs well at $41,565. These programs align perfectly with San Diego's medical sector, where major health systems like Scripps and UC San Diego Health create steady demand for trained professionals.
The 34% graduation rate reflects the community college reality where many students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time while working. For those who do graduate, the median debt of $4,725 represents minimal financial risk compared to typical four-year institutions.
Liberal arts graduates earn just $27,669, making this program suitable only if you plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere. The veterinary technology program at $30,228 offers decent prospects in pet-friendly San Diego, though earnings remain modest.
You should choose Mesa College if you want healthcare training without debt burden, need flexible scheduling while working, or plan to transfer after completing general education requirements. The school works best for practical, career-focused students rather than those seeking a traditional college experience.
With only 16% of students receiving aid, most qualify for California's generous community college support programs. The negative net price makes Mesa College financially accessible to virtually anyone, regardless of family income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego Mesa College worth the cost?
San Diego Mesa College offers exceptional value with students actually earning money to attend (negative net price of $904 annually) while graduating with minimal debt of $4,725. The 10-year median earnings of $45,120 provide solid returns, especially for allied health programs that pay $47,260.
What are the highest paying programs at San Diego Mesa College?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services leads at $47,260 annually, followed by Health and Medical Administrative Services at $41,565. Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $27,669, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do San Diego Mesa College graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of just $4,725, well below national averages for community colleges. The low debt combined with strong earnings in health programs creates favorable debt-to-income ratios.
What is San Diego Mesa College's graduation rate?
Only 33.8% of students graduate, which is concerning for completion rates. However, those who do finish benefit from low costs and strong job market connections in San Diego's healthcare sector.