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 keeps your costs low and your debt lower. With a net price of $8,508 a year and median debt of just $7,500 at graduation, you leave without the loan burden that sinks students at pricier schools. Median earnings of $43,212 ten years out won't make you rich, but against that debt load the math works in your favor.
The health field is where the payoff lives. The allied health associate degree pays about $60,094, and even the certificate version clears $51,612 , both well above the school's overall median. If you want a degree that reliably lifts your earnings in Stockton's healthcare-heavy job market, this is the one to chase.
The other programs are a different story. Vehicle maintenance and business associate degrees land in the mid-$30,000s, and criminal justice comes in at $24,615 , below what many jobs pay without any degree. Picking criminal justice here is a financial mistake unless you have a specific career line that needs it.
The biggest risk is finishing at all. Only about a third of students graduate, so the low cost means little if you're in the two-thirds who leave without a credential. Your debt stays with you either way.
The net price tiers hold a surprise: families earning $48,000 to $110,000 pay more than families over $110,000, with the $75,000-$110,000 band paying the most at $13,563. If you're solidly middle-income, budget for the higher end and confirm your aid package before enrolling.
This school fits you if you're headed into health services and want to keep debt near zero. If you're set on criminal justice or unsure you'll finish, look harder before you commit.
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.