At $4,526/yr net price, San Juan College graduates earn $36,513/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,513/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,526 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,104 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,513/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,513/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,808/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,665/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,166/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,489/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 | $63,005 | $11,629 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $53,358 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,340 | $13,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,305 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $35,416 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,993 | $14,675 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $30,228 |
The Risk Factor
31.5% of students at San Juan College 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 Juan College offers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but your success depends heavily on picking a career-focused major. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $63,005 annually against just $11,629 in debt, creating an excellent payoff ratio. Quality control technicians and dental support professionals also command solid salaries above $52,000.
Your biggest risk lies in program selection. While technical and health programs deliver strong earnings, the college's 31.5% graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their degrees. The median debt of $9,750 stays manageable, but only if you complete your program and land employment in your field.
This college works best for students committed to specific trades or healthcare careers with clear local demand in the Four Corners region. The energy sector around Farmington creates opportunities for electromechanical technicians, while healthcare programs benefit from consistent regional need. You should avoid this school if you want general education credits to transfer to a four-year university, as completion rates suggest many students struggle with this path.
The low net price of $4,526 annually makes San Juan College accessible, though only 33% of students receive financial aid. Focus on programs with established industry partnerships and job placement support. Your return depends entirely on choosing a program aligned with regional employers and completing your degree within the expected timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Juan College worth the money?
San Juan College offers good value with a low net price of $4,526 per year and manageable debt averaging $9,750. However, the 31% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and median earnings of $36,513 after 10 years are modest.
What are the best paying programs at San Juan College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at San Juan College, with registered nursing graduates earning around $63,000. Quality control technicians ($53,358) and dental support services ($52,107) also offer solid returns on the investment.
How much debt do San Juan College graduates have?
San Juan College graduates carry relatively low debt, with a median of $9,750. The low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing manageable compared to four-year schools.
What is the graduation rate at San Juan College?
Only 31.5% of students graduate from San Juan College within the tracked timeframe. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's value.