At $8,508/yr net price, San Joaquin Delta College graduates earn $43,212/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,212/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,508 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,032 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,212/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,212/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,545/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,572/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,412/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,563/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,949/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $60,094 | |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Certificate | $51,612 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $24,615 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,162 |
The Risk Factor
32.5% of students at San Joaquin Delta 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 Joaquin Delta College delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right programs, with health sciences graduates earning $60,094 annually against just $7,500 in median debt. The low net price of $8,508 makes this one of the more affordable pathways to career training in California's Central Valley.
Health services programs clearly offer the strongest ROI at Delta, with graduates earning 39% more than the college median. Vehicle maintenance and repair also provides decent returns at $37,568, reflecting strong demand for skilled trades in the Stockton area. Business and criminal justice programs show weaker earnings potential, with criminal justice graduates earning just $24,615 despite completing the same two-year commitment.
The 32% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. Nearly seven in ten students leave without completing their programs, losing time and money with no credential to show for it. You face better odds if you enroll in health sciences, where industry demand and clear career paths help drive completion.
Delta works best financially if you're targeting healthcare careers or skilled trades and can commit to finishing your program. The combination of low costs and strong earnings in select fields creates genuine value. Avoid this school if you're considering criminal justice or lack clear career direction, as the completion challenges outweigh the modest costs.
With only 23% of students receiving financial aid, Delta likely offers limited merit scholarships. The low sticker price means most students can afford attendance without significant borrowing, explaining the minimal debt loads among graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Joaquin Delta College worth the cost?
With a net price of $8,508 annually and median earnings of $43,212 ten years after graduation, San Joaquin Delta College offers decent value for a community college. The low debt load of $7,500 makes it financially manageable for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at San Joaquin Delta College?
Health Services programs at San Joaquin Delta College lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making around $51,000-$60,000 annually. Vehicle maintenance and business programs also provide solid returns, while criminal justice graduates earn significantly less at $24,615.
What is the graduation rate at San Joaquin Delta College?
San Joaquin Delta College has a 32.5% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means most students either transfer or don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor to consider.
How much debt do San Joaquin Delta College graduates have?
San Joaquin Delta College graduates have a median debt of just $7,500, making it one of the more affordable higher education options. The low debt burden reduces financial risk even if career outcomes don't meet expectations.