At $3,854/yr net price, Santa Ana College graduates earn $43,552/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,552/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,854 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,416 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,552/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,552/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,871 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,151/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,154/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,107/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,596/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,191/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 | $74,576 | $10,500 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $54,035 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $31,852 |
The Risk Factor
31.5% of students at Santa Ana 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
Santa Ana College delivers strong financial value with a rock-bottom net price of $3,854 annually and minimal debt burden, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right program and actually graduating.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $74,576 within 10 years despite carrying slightly higher debt loads. Fire protection and allied health programs also generate solid returns that justify the investment. However, business administration graduates earn just $38,289, making it a weaker choice given the time investment required.
The major financial risk here is the 31.5% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you gain nothing from the low costs. The automotive repair program offers decent earnings for those who complete it, but technical skills training might be faster and cheaper elsewhere.
You're a good financial fit for Santa Ana College if you're committed to nursing or fire protection and can handle the academic demands. The low price makes it worthwhile even if you need extra time to graduate. You should look elsewhere if you're interested in business or liberal arts, where the earning potential doesn't match what you could achieve at other institutions.
Only 16% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most students already qualify for California's community college pricing. Focus your energy on program selection and completion rather than hunting for additional scholarships. The real value proposition is the combination of California's subsidized community college system and access to high-demand healthcare and public safety careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Ana College worth the money?
Santa Ana College offers strong value with a low net price of $3,854 per year and minimal debt averaging $6,871. However, the 31% graduation rate is concerning and may indicate completion challenges for many students.
What are the best paying programs at Santa Ana College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at Santa Ana College with graduates earning $74,576 annually, followed by fire protection at $54,035. Business and automotive programs offer more modest returns around $38,000-$43,000.
How much debt do Santa Ana College graduates have?
Santa Ana College graduates carry relatively low debt with a median of $6,871. The low cost structure helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the return on investment for Santa Ana College?
Santa Ana College provides decent ROI for completing students, with 10-year earnings of $43,552 against low costs. The main risk is the low graduation rate, which means many students may not finish their programs.