At $27,288/yr net price, San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Cordova 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) | $27,288 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,152 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,317/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,317/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 25.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.3% |
| 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 | $26,019/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,326/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,061/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,993/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,993/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 |
The Risk Factor
73.3% of students at San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Cordova graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Cordova delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $38,317 barely justifying the $27,288 annual net price. The school's economics work for one specific group: students entering Allied Health programs, where graduates earn $58,719 annually despite carrying higher debt loads of $22,250.
The financial math is stark outside of healthcare. Your typical graduate will struggle to service educational debt on earnings that fall well below California's median income. The 73% graduation rate means more than a quarter of students leave without credentials, making the investment even riskier.
You face two major financial risks here: program selection and regional competition. Choose anything outside Allied Health and your earnings potential drops significantly. Sacramento's job market offers plenty of healthcare opportunities, but other career paths face stiff competition from four-year graduates and more established community colleges charging far less.
This school makes financial sense only if you're committed to healthcare careers and need the specific Allied Health programs offered. The higher debt load becomes manageable with those salary levels. Skip this option if you're exploring general business, liberal arts, or technical fields where cheaper community colleges provide better ROI.
Financial aid reaches only 34% of students, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. Your best strategy involves completing programs quickly to minimize total costs and targeting the high-earning Allied Health track. Otherwise, Sacramento area community colleges offer similar programs at fraction of the cost with comparable job market access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Cordova worth the cost?
The answer depends heavily on your program choice. Allied health graduates earn around $59,000 annually, making the $27,288 yearly cost reasonable, but overall graduate earnings average just $38,317 after 10 years.
What programs at San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Cordova have the best ROI?
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment programs offer the strongest return with graduates earning $58,719 annually. Other programs at the school show significantly lower earning potential relative to the tuition cost.
How much debt do San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Cordova graduates typically have?
The median debt is relatively low at $10,674, which helps offset concerns about earning potential. This manageable debt load makes the school less risky than many private colleges.
Do San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Cordova graduates find jobs after graduation?
The 73% graduation rate is decent for a vocational college, and allied health programs typically have strong job placement rates in California's healthcare market. However, earnings data suggests many graduates struggle to achieve high-paying positions.