San Diego Mesa College

San Diego, CA 16,098 Undergrads 23.1% Grad Rate

School Website|Financial Calculator

Total Cost

$19,371

Sticker Price

Avg Net Price

$5,814

After Aid

Median Earnings

$50,709

4yr Post-Grad

Vs. Peer Institutions

Net Price$5,814

Peer Midpoint: $9,847

Earnings (4yr Post-Grad)$50,709

Peer Midpoint: $50,127.5

Graduation Rate23.1%

Peer Midpoint: 34.6%

Socio-Economic Diversity

Pell Grant Recipients17.7%

Enrollment Status

Full-Time17.5%

Economic Outcomes

Earn More than HS59.6%

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

+$539k

+$24k

+$55k

Median Cost$6k/yr

+$529k

+$13k

+$44k

Full Cost$19k/yr

+$504k

-$12k

+$19k

ROI Efficiency Metrics

Break-Even Age

Return on Inv. %

Zero Cost (Scholarship)$0

∞

Median Cost$6k/yr

415%

Full Cost$19k/yr

55%

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 Return209%

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 Return1%

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

Accounting and Related Services

CertCIP: 5203

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $44,589

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Agricultural Production Operations

CertCIP: 0103

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $42,010

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

CertCIP: 5108

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $34,272

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

American Sign Language

CertCIP: 1616

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $41,771

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Apparel and Textiles

CertCIP: 1909

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $25,340

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Architectural Sciences and Technology

CertCIP: 0409

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $57,637

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Biological and Physical Sciences

CertCIP: 3001

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $47,525

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Biology, General

CertCIP: 2601

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $52,278

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection

CertCIP: 4604

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $42,012

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

Chemistry

CertCIP: 4005

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $50,784

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Communication and Media Studies

CertCIP: 0901

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $43,761

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 Software and Media Applications

CertCIP: 1108

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $41,400

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Construction Management

CertCIP: 5220

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $72,415

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Culinary Arts and Related Services

CertCIP: 1205

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $30,572

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

CertCIP: 5106

Median Debt

Earnings (2yr)

$32,284

Natl Median: $33,673

Lifetime Value Added

-$92k

Design and Applied Arts

CertCIP: 5004

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $36,116

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers

CertCIP: 4603

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $53,078

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians

CertCIP: 1504

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $65,202

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Engineering, General

CertCIP: 1401

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $79,019

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

English Language and Literature, General

CertCIP: 2301

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $29,202

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Fire Protection

CertCIP: 4302

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $62,436

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

General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations

CertCIP: 5218

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $52,001

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Geography and Cartography

CertCIP: 4507

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $58,705

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Graphic Communications

CertCIP: 1003

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $32,130

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 (4yr)

Natl Median: $31,135

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

CertCIP: 2401

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$49,676

Natl Median: $44,906

Lifetime Value Added

+$83k

Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions

CertCIP: 5115

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $43,365

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians

CertCIP: 4103

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $68,527

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Physics

CertCIP: 4008

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $78,502

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)

Natl Median: $43,573

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Real Estate

CertCIP: 5215

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $46,762

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Social Sciences, General

CertCIP: 4501

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $51,219

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations

CertCIP: 5219

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $40,127

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

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians

CertCIP: 4706

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $51,586

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians

CertCIP: 0183

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $34,862

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

Agricultural Production Operations

AssocCIP: 0103

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $42,438

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

AssocCIP: 5108

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$57,592

Natl Median: $42,269

Lifetime Value Added

+$111k

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions

AssocCIP: 5109

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $65,389

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

American Sign Language

AssocCIP: 1616

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $37,886

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Anthropology

AssocCIP: 4502

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $39,638

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Apparel and Textiles

AssocCIP: 1909

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $45,422

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Architectural Sciences and Technology

AssocCIP: 0409

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $55,403

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Biological and Physical Sciences

AssocCIP: 3001

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$51,936

Natl Median: $50,181

Lifetime Value Added

+$56k

Biology, General

AssocCIP: 2601

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$49,919

Natl Median: $44,758

Lifetime Value Added

+$37k

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)

$59,220

Natl Median: $48,733

Lifetime Value Added

+$126k

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

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

AssocCIP: 5110

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $57,472

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Communication and Media Studies

AssocCIP: 0901

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$56,321

Natl Median: $43,243

Lifetime Value Added

+$99k

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

Criminal Justice and Corrections

AssocCIP: 4301

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $46,706

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Culinary Arts and Related Services

AssocCIP: 1205

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $39,605

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Dance

AssocCIP: 5003

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $30,547

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

AssocCIP: 5106

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $61,982

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

East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

AssocCIP: 1603

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $42,764

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Economics

AssocCIP: 4506

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $53,068

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

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)

$41,826

Natl Median: $36,134

Lifetime Value Added

-$44k

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)

Natl Median: $31,650

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

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

General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations

AssocCIP: 5218

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $46,500

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Geography and Cartography

AssocCIP: 4507

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $53,052

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

Health and Medical Administrative Services

AssocCIP: 5107

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$50,872

Natl Median: $37,073

Lifetime Value Added

+$46k

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians

AssocCIP: 4703

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $69,017

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

History

AssocCIP: 5401

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $38,929

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Hospitality Administration/Management

AssocCIP: 5209

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $41,099

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

AssocCIP: 1907

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $34,184

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Human Services, General

AssocCIP: 4400

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $39,422

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)

$44,652

Natl Median: $44,125

Lifetime Value Added

-$16k

Mathematics

AssocCIP: 2701

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$62,616

Natl Median: $59,929

Lifetime Value Added

+$158k

Music

AssocCIP: 5009

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $34,056

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

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)

$48,650

Natl Median: $39,288

Lifetime Value Added

+$24k

Real Estate

AssocCIP: 5215

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $40,327

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

AssocCIP: 1609

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$36,098

Natl Median: $40,755

Lifetime Value Added

-$102k

Social Sciences, General

AssocCIP: 4501

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $43,146

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Sociology

AssocCIP: 4511

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$46,618

Natl Median: $44,144

Lifetime Value Added

+$4k

Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations

AssocCIP: 5219

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $53,002

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

AssocCIP: 3105

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $40,162

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians

AssocCIP: 4706

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $58,424

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians

AssocCIP: 0183

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

$53,912

Natl Median: $41,460

Lifetime Value Added

+$76k

Visual and Performing Arts, General

AssocCIP: 5001

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $32,799

Lifetime Value Added

N/A

Bachelor's Degrees

Health and Medical Administrative Services

BachCIP: 5107

Median Debt

Earnings (4yr)

Natl Median: $58,716

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.