At $3,600/yr net price, Santa Monica College graduates earn $42,193/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,193/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,600 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,193/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,193/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,450 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,796/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,672/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,695/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,662/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,622/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 | $70,456 |
The Risk Factor
35.8% of students at Santa Monica 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 Monica College delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning a median $42,193 annually while carrying minimal debt of just $6,450. Your total educational investment of around $7,200 over two years creates one of the strongest debt-to-income ratios available in higher education.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with registered nursing graduates earning $70,456 annually. This program alone justifies the college's ROI, offering nearly double the median graduate salary. Other healthcare-related programs likely follow similar patterns, though specific earnings data remains limited.
The 36% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk at Santa Monica College. You face a significant chance of not completing your program, which means paying costs without gaining credentials. The college's transfer-focused mission means many students leave before graduating, but this statistic should concern anyone planning to complete a degree here rather than transfer.
Santa Monica College works best financially if you plan to enter nursing or use it as an affordable stepping stone to a four-year university. The low net price makes it ideal for students who need to minimize educational debt while exploring career options or completing general education requirements.
Avoid Santa Monica College if you need extensive student support services to graduate or want a traditional four-year college experience. The completion rate suggests you need strong self-direction to succeed here. Students seeking liberal arts degrees without clear career paths might find better long-term financial outcomes at universities with stronger alumni networks and career services, even if the upfront costs are higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Monica College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Santa Monica College offers strong value with a net price of just $3,600 per year and relatively low debt of $6,450. However, the 36% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Santa Monica College?
Nursing programs at Santa Monica College lead to median earnings of $70,456, which is significantly higher than the overall graduate average of $42,193. These healthcare programs offer the best return on investment at the school.
How much debt do Santa Monica College graduates typically have?
Santa Monica College graduates have a median debt of $6,450, which is low compared to most colleges. The affordable tuition and community college structure help keep borrowing minimal.
Do Santa Monica College graduates earn enough to justify the cost?
With earnings of $42,193 ten years after enrollment and only $3,600 annual costs, most graduates see positive returns. The key challenge is the low graduation rate, meaning many students invest time without completing their programs.