About San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto
Students pay an average net price of $24,617 annually, which remains consistent across most income levels. Graduates earn a median of $38,317 ten years after starting school, making the investment reasonably sound for a two-year program. Most students graduate with $10,674 in debt and monthly loan payments of $113. The employment rate reaches 92.5%, reflecting the college's career-focused mission. However, only 30.16% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, suggesting some graduates struggle financially despite finding work.
The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 62.54%, with men slightly outnumbering women at 54.75%. All students come from California, creating a tight-knit community rooted in the Central Valley. Over half receive Pell Grants, indicating many come from lower-income backgrounds. The 49:1 student-faculty ratio means large class sizes and limited individual attention from instructors.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 49:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 25.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,317
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $46,869 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $43,798 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,666 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $26,313 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $24,765 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $23,853 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $22,858 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Certificate | $22,094 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $21,861 |
Campus Life
The student-faculty ratio of 49:1 reflects the hands-on, lab-intensive nature of programs here. Most students commute from the surrounding Central Valley communities, creating a practical, get-to-work atmosphere rather than a social campus scene. With 62.54% Hispanic enrollment, the campus reflects the local agricultural region's demographics. Students typically spend weekends working part-time jobs or completing clinical rotations rather than attending campus events. The 92.5% employment rate shows this school's primary draw: students come here to quickly gain marketable skills in healthcare and technical fields, then launch into careers within months of graduation.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–56°F
- July Avg
- 62°–95°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 54.8%
- Women
- 45.3%
- White
- 12.0%
- Black
- 3.6%
- Hispanic
- 62.5%
- Asian
- 7.0%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 52.8%
Location
- Address
- Salida, California 95368-9090
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,317
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $38,245
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 30.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $113/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,674
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $24,617 per year, with minimal variation across income levels. About 53% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating this career college primarily serves working-class families seeking technical training.
What is the student-faculty ratio at San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto?
The student-faculty ratio is 49:1, which is quite high for hands-on technical programs. The school focuses on career-oriented healthcare and technical training where students typically learn through practical application rather than traditional classroom instruction.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto?
About 61% of students graduate within six years, and 92.5% find employment after completing their programs. Graduates earn a median of $38,317 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the school's focus on preparing students for middle-income technical careers.
Where is San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto located and who attends?
The campus is located in Salida, California, a large suburban area near Modesto. The 590 enrolled students are 63% Hispanic and 100% California residents, with a slight male majority at 55%.
How much debt do students typically graduate with from San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto?
The median debt is $10,674, resulting in monthly loan payments of $113 for graduates. However, only 30% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans, which raises concerns about the financial burden relative to earning potential.
Is San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto a good investment for career training?
Graduates start earning $32,791 in their first year after completion, reaching $38,317 by year ten. The school serves as a pathway to technical careers for first-generation college students, though the high student-faculty ratio and loan repayment challenges require careful consideration.
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About This Data
Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.