At $24,617/yr net price, San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto 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) | $24,617 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,468 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,317/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,317/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 22.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.1% |
| 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 | $23,312/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,143/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,870/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,099/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,429/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $46,869 | $9,500 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| 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 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $23,853 | $18,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $22,858 | $9,500 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Certificate | $22,094 | $9,379 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $21,861 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
61.1% of students at San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $38,317 after paying $24,617 annually for a two-year program. The math works against you unless you pursue one of the handful of higher-paying technical programs.
Heavy equipment maintenance stands out as the only financially sound choice, with graduates earning $46,869 and carrying manageable debt of $9,500. This program aligns well with Central Valley's agricultural and construction industries. Every other major produces concerning debt-to-income ratios that will strain your budget for years.
Criminal justice graduates earn just $28,666 while carrying $19,125 in debt, creating a financial burden that contradicts the career's modest pay scale in the region. Business operations and health administration programs fare even worse, with graduates earning in the mid-$20,000s while shouldering nearly $20,000 in debt.
The 61% graduation rate means you face significant risk of leaving with debt but no credential. With over half of students requiring financial aid, this school primarily serves students with limited resources who cannot afford to gamble on programs with poor employment outcomes.
You should consider this school only if you plan to study heavy equipment maintenance and can complete the program without excessive borrowing. For all other programs, community colleges offer similar training at much lower costs with better debt-to-income prospects. The high annual cost combined with weak earning potential makes this school a risky investment for most career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto worth the cost?
The ROI is mixed - graduates earn $38,317 annually after 10 years while paying $24,617 per year in net costs. Heavy equipment maintenance programs show strong returns at $43,000-$47,000, but other programs like health administration and business support lead to below-average earnings.
What are the best paying programs at San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto?
Heavy and industrial equipment maintenance programs offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $43,798 to $46,869 annually. Criminal justice graduates earn significantly less at $28,666, while business and health administration programs pay around $24,000-$26,000.
How much debt do San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto graduates have?
The median debt is $10,674, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. However, with average earnings of $38,317 after 10 years, graduates still face a challenging debt-to-income ratio depending on their program.
What is the graduation rate at San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto?
The graduation rate is 61.1%, meaning nearly 4 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially for programs with lower earning potential.