San Diego City College

San Diego, CA 10,441 Undergrads 20.8% Grad Rate

School Website|Financial Calculator

Total Cost

$21,202

Sticker Price

Avg Net Price

$7,935

After Aid

Median Earnings

$40,124

4yr Post-Grad

Vs. Peer Institutions

Net Price$7,935

Peer Midpoint: $9,847

Earnings (4yr Post-Grad)$40,124

Peer Midpoint: $50,127.5

Graduation Rate20.8%

Peer Midpoint: 34.6%

Socio-Economic Diversity

Pell Grant Recipients25.9%

Enrollment Status

Full-Time11.4%

Economic Outcomes

Earn More than HS52.4%

Admissions Profile

Acceptance

100.0%

SAT Avg

SAT Reading

25th: --75th: -

SAT Math

25th: --75th: -

ACT Composite

25th: --75th: -

ROI Sensitivity Analysis

This analysis tests three cost scenarios (Scholarship, Average Net Price, Full Sticker Price) to show how college costs impact your long-term return compared to the average student and a high school graduate.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Institution Lifetime NPV

Vs Median Peer

Vs HS Grad

Zero Cost (Scholarship)$0

+$434k

-$82k

-$50k

Median Cost$8k/yr

+$419k

-$96k

-$65k

Full Cost$21k/yr

+$395k

-$121k

-$89k

ROI Efficiency Metrics

Break-Even Age

Return on Inv. %

Zero Cost (Scholarship)$0

Never

-∞

Median Cost$8k/yr

Never

-446%

Full Cost$21k/yr

Never

-230%

Analysis Assumptions:

Starting Salary: Estimated from the 4-year post-graduation median earnings (assuming 2% annual growth from graduation).
Comparisons: "Vs Median Peer" compares to the median student nationwide in a similar level program. "Vs HS Grad" compares to a median high school graduate.
Break-Even: The age at which the college investment net income exceeds the median high school graduate's lifetime earnings.
NPV: Net Present Value of all future earnings minus costs and taxes, discounted at 7.8%.

Social Impact ROINew

Measures the societal return on a donor's investment. Calculated as the incremental pre-tax lifetime earnings vs. HS grad, divided by the tax-adjusted donation cost.

Donor Return-312%

Gov. Pell Grant ROINew

Measures the government's return on Pell Grants via increased tax revenue. Calculated as the portion of incremental lifetime taxes (discounted at 5.4%) attributed to the Pell Grant investment.

Taxpayer Return-116%

Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator with your specific estimates of cost and salary.

Program ROI Analysis

Certificates

Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians

CertCIP: 1002

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $33,223

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Biology, General

CertCIP: 2601

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $52,278

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Business Administration, Management and Operations

CertCIP: 5202

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $47,440

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Business Operations Support and Assistant Services

CertCIP: 5204

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $32,681

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

CertCIP: 5110

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $38,675

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Computer and Information Sciences, General

CertCIP: 1101

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $50,984

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management

CertCIP: 1110

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $52,615

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

CertCIP: 1204

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$22,671

Natl Median: $26,307

Lifetime Value Added

-$216k

Dance

CertCIP: 5003

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $28,839

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications

CertCIP: 1106

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $39,476

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Design and Applied Arts

CertCIP: 5004

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$63,359

Natl Median: $36,116

Lifetime Value Added

+$223k

Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

CertCIP: 1513

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $53,359

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers

CertCIP: 4603

Median Debt

Earnings (5yr)

$74,537

Natl Median: $53,078

Lifetime Value Added

+$318k

Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians

CertCIP: 4701

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $43,027

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Engineering, General

CertCIP: 1401

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $79,019

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

CertCIP: 5207

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $50,211

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians

CertCIP: 1505

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $45,268

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Film/Video and Photographic Arts

CertCIP: 5006

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $32,800

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services

CertCIP: 1905

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $42,790

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Hospitality Administration/Management

CertCIP: 5209

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $40,962

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

CertCIP: 1907

Median Debt

Earnings (5yr)

$29,782

Natl Median: $31,135

Lifetime Value Added

-$142k

Human Services, General

CertCIP: 4400

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $36,390

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians

CertCIP: 1506

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $57,294

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

CertCIP: 2401

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$44,078

Natl Median: $44,906

Lifetime Value Added

+$21k

Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions

CertCIP: 5115

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$50,949

Natl Median: $43,365

Lifetime Value Added

+$95k

Political Science and Government

CertCIP: 4510

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $72,399

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Precision Metal Working

CertCIP: 4805

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $48,702

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Psychology, General

CertCIP: 4201

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $45,285

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other

CertCIP: 4499

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$36,712

Natl Median: $43,573

Lifetime Value Added

-$59k

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

CertCIP: 0907

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $33,711

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

CertCIP: 5138

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $80,020

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Security Science and Technology

CertCIP: 4304

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $54,296

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

CertCIP: 3105

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $37,647

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

CertCIP: 1312

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $34,631

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Associate's Degrees

Accounting and Related Services

AssocCIP: 5203

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $47,660

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

AssocCIP: 5108

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $42,269

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Anthropology

AssocCIP: 4502

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $39,638

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Architectural Sciences and Technology

AssocCIP: 0409

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $55,403

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians

AssocCIP: 1002

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $35,660

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Biological and Physical Sciences

AssocCIP: 3001

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$77,094

Natl Median: $50,181

Lifetime Value Added

+$285k

Biology, General

AssocCIP: 2601

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$50,465

Natl Median: $44,758

Lifetime Value Added

+$38k

Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection

AssocCIP: 4604

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $59,378

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Business Administration, Management and Operations

AssocCIP: 5202

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$51,001

Natl Median: $48,733

Lifetime Value Added

+$43k

Business Operations Support and Assistant Services

AssocCIP: 5204

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $37,587

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Business/Commerce, General

AssocCIP: 5201

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $49,927

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Chemistry

AssocCIP: 4005

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $51,597

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Communication and Media Studies

AssocCIP: 0901

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$60,716

Natl Median: $43,243

Lifetime Value Added

+$137k

Computer and Information Sciences, General

AssocCIP: 1101

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $54,246

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Computer Software and Media Applications

AssocCIP: 1108

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $41,737

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management

AssocCIP: 1110

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $54,726

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

AssocCIP: 1204

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $27,014

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Criminal Justice and Corrections

AssocCIP: 4301

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $46,706

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Dance

AssocCIP: 5003

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $30,547

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Design and Applied Arts

AssocCIP: 5004

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $38,127

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

AssocCIP: 5005

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $31,773

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers

AssocCIP: 4603

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $70,808

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering

AssocCIP: 1410

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $65,477

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Engineering, General

AssocCIP: 1401

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $72,916

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other

AssocCIP: 1599

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $69,455

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

English Language and Literature, General

AssocCIP: 2301

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$28,005

Natl Median: $36,134

Lifetime Value Added

-$189k

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

AssocCIP: 5207

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $40,095

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians

AssocCIP: 1505

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $55,148

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies

AssocCIP: 0502

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $38,387

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Film/Video and Photographic Arts

AssocCIP: 5006

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $33,186

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Fine and Studio Arts

AssocCIP: 5007

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$71,302

Natl Median: $31,650

Lifetime Value Added

+$233k

Fire Protection

AssocCIP: 4302

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $73,589

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services

AssocCIP: 1905

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $39,400

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

AssocCIP: 4006

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $46,694

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Graphic Communications

AssocCIP: 1003

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $36,221

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

History

AssocCIP: 5401

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $38,929

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

AssocCIP: 1907

Median Debt

Earnings (2yr)

$20,140

Natl Median: $34,184

Lifetime Value Added

-$262k

Human Services, General

AssocCIP: 4400

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$44,787

Natl Median: $39,422

Lifetime Value Added

-$18k

Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians

AssocCIP: 1506

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $73,593

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Journalism

AssocCIP: 0904

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $41,496

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Legal Support Services

AssocCIP: 2203

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $44,669

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

AssocCIP: 2401

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$39,081

Natl Median: $44,125

Lifetime Value Added

-$76k

Mathematics

AssocCIP: 2701

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $59,929

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Philosophy

AssocCIP: 3801

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $41,229

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Physics

AssocCIP: 4008

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $63,321

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences

AssocCIP: 2609

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $21,971

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Political Science and Government

AssocCIP: 4510

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $45,147

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Precision Metal Working

AssocCIP: 4805

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $56,451

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Psychology, General

AssocCIP: 4201

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$37,754

Natl Median: $39,288

Lifetime Value Added

-$89k

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

AssocCIP: 0907

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $36,074

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Real Estate

AssocCIP: 5215

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $40,327

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

AssocCIP: 5138

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$113,244

Natl Median: $80,813

Lifetime Value Added

+$609k

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

AssocCIP: 1609

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $40,755

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Social Sciences, General

AssocCIP: 4501

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $43,146

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Sociology

AssocCIP: 4511

Median Debt

Earnings (5yr)

$33,628

Natl Median: $44,144

Lifetime Value Added

-$138k

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

AssocCIP: 3105

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $40,162

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

AssocCIP: 1312

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $37,656

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Visual and Performing Arts, General

AssocCIP: 5001

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $32,799

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Note: Lifetime Value Added is the Net Present Value (NPV) of estimated career earnings relative to a median high school graduate (for undergraduate programs) or a median bachelor's degree holder (for graduate programs), accounting for this institution's average cost and taxes. Computed over a career to retirement age.

For graduate programs (Master's, Doctoral, etc.), the calculation assumes a starting age of 22 (after undergraduate completion) and does not include the sunk costs of prior degrees. It represents the value added of the graduate degree decision moving forward. These Lifetime Value Added results for graduate degrees should not be compared with those for Undergraduate Certificates, Associates or Bachelors.