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 gives you a low-cost path with a modest payoff. At $3,600 a year net price and median debt of just $6,450, you are not risking much money to attend. That matters, because the median earnings of $42,193 ten years out sit below what a four-year degree typically returns. The math works here because the cost is so low, not because the earnings are high.
The 35.8% graduation rate is the number to watch. Most of the financial risk at this school comes from not finishing. If you enroll, pay for a year or two, and leave without a credential, you carry the cost with little of the earnings bump. The low debt figure protects you somewhat, but dropping out still means paying for time that did not move your income.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30k, you pay about $2,796. over $110k, you pay $8,622. Even the top tier is cheap compared to most four-year schools, so families across incomes face a manageable bill. The gap between tiers is small in absolute dollars.
This school fits you if you want an affordable start, plan to transfer, or need a credential without taking on debt. The low price gives you room to test a path without a large financial bet. It fits you less well if you need strong post-graduation earnings from this school alone, since the $42,193 median is on the low side and no bachelor-level program earnings are listed to point you toward a higher-paying major. Treat it as a low-cost step, and have a clear plan to finish or transfer.
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.