At $24,175/yr net price, San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage 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) | $24,175 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,317/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,317/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 22.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.1% |
| 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 | $24,480/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,757/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,468/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $41,441 | |
| 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 |
| 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
68.1% of students at San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage delivers mixed financial returns that depend entirely on your program choice. The $24,175 annual cost creates a challenging payback period for most graduates earning the median $38,317 yearly.
Practical nursing stands out as the clear winner, generating $41,441 annually with relatively low debt loads. HVAC programs also show promise, particularly the version producing $39,009 salaries with $13,000 debt. However, the second HVAC track saddles you with $19,584 debt for lower $34,921 earnings, creating a less favorable return.
Criminal justice and business support programs present concerning value propositions. Criminal justice graduates earn just $28,666 while carrying $19,125 in debt. Business support majors face even steeper challenges with $26,313 salaries against $19,950 debt loads.
The 68% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for higher-paying positions. The desert location limits some job opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas, though healthcare and trade positions remain stable in the region.
This school works best if you're targeting nursing or HVAC careers and can complete programs efficiently. The hands-on training model suits students who learn better through practical application than traditional academics. However, if you're considering criminal justice or business programs, community colleges offer similar training at significantly lower costs with comparable job prospects.
Financial aid covers most students, but the for-profit structure means limited merit scholarships. Focus on completing quickly to minimize total costs and debt accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage worth the cost?
With a net price of $24,175 per year and median earnings of $38,317 after 10 years, the ROI is weak for most programs. Only nursing and HVAC programs show decent earning potential that justifies the cost.
What are the best paying programs at San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage?
Practical nursing graduates earn around $41,441 annually, while HVAC technicians make about $39,009. Criminal justice and business programs pay significantly less at $28,666 and $26,313 respectively.
How much debt do San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage graduates have?
The median debt is $10,674, which is relatively low compared to four-year colleges. However, with lower earning potential in many programs, even this amount can be challenging to repay.
What is the graduation rate at San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage?
The graduation rate is 68.1%, meaning about one-third of students don't complete their programs. This adds significant risk to your investment, especially in lower-paying fields.