At $23,045/yr net price, San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno graduates earn $38,317/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,317/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,045 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,180 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,317/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,317/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 21.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,674 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,458/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,021/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,238/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,054/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,937/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $58,719 | $22,250 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $46,869 | $9,500 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $39,009 | $13,000 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $34,921 | $19,584 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,666 | $19,125 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $26,313 | $19,950 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $24,765 | $18,844 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $24,596 | $20,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $23,853 | $18,250 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $23,042 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
48.9% of students at San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
The math at San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno is hard to justify at the sticker level. You pay over $23,000 a year at a for-profit two-year school, but the typical graduate earns $38,317 a decade out. That earnings figure sits below what many workers make without any degree, and it puts real pressure on whether the tuition pays back.
What saves this school is the program you pick. The allied health associate degree is the clear winner, with graduates earning nearly $59,000 , the only program here that comfortably clears the cost. The heavy equipment maintenance certificate is the smartest financial bet: solid pay around $47,000 against under $10,000 in debt, roughly half what the allied health path costs to borrow. The HVAC certificate also beats its associate version, earning more for less debt, so the extra time in the associate track works against you here.
The program to avoid is criminal justice. Graduates earn under $29,000 while carrying about $19,000 in debt , you pay associate-degree prices for a paycheck that doesn't cover them.
The specific risk is that nearly half of students don't graduate. If you enroll, borrow, and leave without the credential, you carry the debt with none of the earnings bump, and this is a paid-tuition for-profit where that outcome is common.
Net price barely moves for lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay over $22,000 a year , nearly the same as families earning $75,000. This school does not discount much for need, so budget for close to full price regardless of income.
This is a good fit if you commit to heavy equipment, HVAC, or allied health and finish. Look elsewhere if you're drawn to criminal justice or uncertain you'll complete the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno worth the cost?
San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno's value depends heavily on your program choice. Allied health graduates earn $58,719 annually, making the $23,045 yearly cost worthwhile, but criminal justice graduates average only $28,666, barely covering the investment.
What is the ROI for San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno graduates?
With 10-year earnings averaging $38,317 and a net price of $23,045 per year, most graduates struggle to see strong returns on their investment. Only the allied health and industrial equipment programs show clear financial benefits.
How much debt do San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno students graduate with?
The median debt is relatively low at $10,674, but the 48.9% graduation rate means many students leave without completing their programs. Those who do graduate in lower-paying fields like criminal justice may struggle with even modest debt levels.
Which programs at San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno have the best job prospects?
Allied health diagnostic programs offer the strongest earning potential at $58,719 annually, followed by heavy equipment maintenance at $46,869. Avoid criminal justice programs, which only lead to $28,666 in average earnings despite similar costs.