At $9,215/yr net price, Santa Fe Community College graduates earn $38,005/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,005/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,215 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,860 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,005/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,005/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,236 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,937/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,300/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,033/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 | $62,260 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $36,852 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Certificate | $31,314 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $25,967 |
The Risk Factor
24.7% of students at Santa Fe Community 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 Fe Community College offers weak to mixed returns on your investment, with a median post-graduation salary of $38,005 that barely exceeds what many high school graduates earn locally. The 24.7% graduation rate means three out of four students leave without completing their program, making this a high-risk choice for most people.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $62,260 annually. This program alone justifies the college's existence for students who can handle the coursework and secure admission to this competitive track. Business and accounting graduates earn modest returns in the mid-30s, while education majors face particularly poor prospects at just over $31,000.
Your biggest risk is joining the majority who never finish. With such low completion rates, you could easily spend money and time with nothing to show for it. The relatively low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests limited institutional support for struggling students.
This college makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing and confident in your academic abilities. The low net price of $9,215 keeps your risk manageable compared to four-year schools. Consider Santa Fe Community College if you need local access to healthcare training or want to test your readiness for college-level work without major financial exposure.
Skip this school if you're unsure about your major or lack strong study habits. The combination of low completion rates and modest career earnings creates poor odds for most students. You'll find better returns at universities if you can handle the academics, or in trade programs if you prefer hands-on work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Fe Community College worth the cost?
Santa Fe Community College offers decent value for nursing students who can expect $62,260 annual earnings, but the overall 10-year earnings average of $38,005 is modest for a $9,215 annual cost. The low 24.7% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Santa Fe Community College?
Nursing programs at Santa Fe Community College provide the strongest return on investment with average earnings of $62,260. Business administration graduates earn around $36,852, while education and allied health programs typically lead to lower-paying positions under $32,000.
How much debt do Santa Fe Community College graduates have?
Santa Fe Community College graduates who borrow money leave with a median debt of $13,236. This is manageable debt for nursing graduates but could be challenging for those in lower-paying fields like education or allied health.
What is the graduation rate at Santa Fe Community College?
Only 24.7% of students graduate from Santa Fe Community College, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students pay for courses without earning a credential that improves their earning potential.