At $7,540/yr net price, San Jacinto Community College graduates earn $43,062/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,062/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,540 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,160 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,062/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,062/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,159/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,226/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,279/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,380/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,374/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 | $65,066 | $9,695 |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $62,260 | $9,750 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $53,608 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $47,260 | $8,550 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,852 | $9,912 |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $45,696 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $41,441 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,193 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $39,523 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $39,009 |
The Risk Factor
34.4% of students at San Jacinto Community 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 Jacinto Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare and technical programs while struggling with completion rates that undermine overall value. The $7,540 annual cost keeps debt manageable, but only 34% of students graduate, meaning two-thirds never see any return on their investment.
Nursing programs provide the clearest path to financial success. Registered nursing graduates earn $65,066 annually with just $9,695 in debt, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio. Physical science technicians also perform well at $62,260 yearly earnings. These healthcare-focused programs align perfectly with Houston's massive medical sector, including the Texas Medical Center nearby.
Your biggest financial risk here is not finishing. The low graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and school. If you cannot commit to completing your program, you will lose money regardless of how affordable tuition appears.
This school works best for working adults in the Houston area seeking specific healthcare or technical credentials. The nursing programs offer strong career prospects, and the low cost makes sense for students who need to work while studying. However, students seeking broad academic preparation or those uncertain about their career direction should consider four-year universities with higher completion rates.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, suggesting most pay out of pocket or through employer assistance. The proximity to major employers like refineries and medical facilities creates opportunities for employer tuition reimbursement that many students overlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jacinto Community College worth the money?
San Jacinto Community College offers good value for healthcare programs, with nursing graduates earning around $65,000 annually against low debt of $9,500. However, the 34% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts overall return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at San Jacinto Community College?
Registered nursing and physical science technology programs at San Jacinto Community College lead to the highest salaries, with graduates earning $62,000-$65,000 per year. These programs justify the $7,540 annual cost better than general studies tracks.
How much debt do San Jacinto Community College students graduate with?
San Jacinto Community College graduates carry a median debt of $9,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load makes healthcare programs particularly attractive since nursing graduates earn enough to pay loans back quickly.
What is the graduation rate at San Jacinto Community College?
Only 34% of students graduate from San Jacinto Community College within normal timeframes. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that reduces the school's value, especially for students who may not finish their programs.