At $29,092/yr net price, San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia 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) | $29,092 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $116,368 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,317/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,317/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 27 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.9% |
| 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 | $28,648/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,976/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,552/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,652/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,763/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $74,747 | $20,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $66,150 | $20,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $58,719 | $22,250 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $52,107 | $20,125 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $46,869 | $9,500 |
| Construction Management. | Associate | $44,170 | $19,130 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $41,441 | $20,000 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $39,009 | $13,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Associate | $38,289 | $19,960 |
The Risk Factor
33.9% of students at San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia delivers strong returns for nursing and dental programs but weak outcomes for most other fields. The nursing program stands out with $74,747 median earnings that easily justify the $20,000 debt load, while dental support services at $66,150 also provide solid financial returns in California's Central Valley job market.
The numbers reveal a tale of two schools. Healthcare and skilled trades programs align well with regional demand, but the overall 34% graduation rate signals completion risk across all programs. With median earnings of just $38,317 against a $29,092 annual price tag, many students struggle to achieve positive returns.
You should consider this school only if you plan to pursue nursing, dental support, or vehicle maintenance programs. These career-focused tracks connect directly to stable regional employers and offer clear pathways to middle-class incomes. Heavy equipment maintenance also shows promise with lower debt loads.
Avoid programs outside these core areas. The data suggests weak outcomes for business, general studies, or other broad majors that lack the school's specialized industry connections. The for-profit structure means limited financial aid compared to community colleges offering similar programs.
Financial aid reaches about half of students, but merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing programs quickly to minimize total debt. The relatively low median debt of $10,674 reflects both shorter program lengths and students leaving before graduation.
This school works for career-changers seeking specific healthcare or trades credentials who can commit fully to completion. Traditional college-bound students seeking broad education should look elsewhere, as the combination of high costs and low completion rates creates substantial financial risk outside the top-performing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia worth the cost?
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia's nursing programs offer strong ROI with graduates earning $74,747 annually, but other programs show weaker returns against the $29,092 yearly cost. The 34% graduation rate means two-thirds of students don't finish their programs.
What programs at San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing graduates earn the highest salaries at $74,747 annually, followed by dental support services at $66,150. Vehicle maintenance and heavy equipment programs offer middle-income opportunities around $46,000-$52,000.
How much debt do San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $10,674, which is manageable compared to many colleges. However, this low debt figure only includes students who actually graduate, not the 66% who don't complete their programs.
Do San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia graduates earn enough to justify the tuition?
Average graduate earnings of $38,317 after 10 years barely exceed the $29,092 annual cost, making this a poor investment for most programs. Only nursing and dental programs show strong earning potential that justifies the expense.