Location: Santa Clara, CA•In-State Tuition: $1,438•Out-of-State Tuition: $12,220
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,338
Est. from CA median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$17,594
Est. from national median (43 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable associate programs in California, mental health services graduates typically earn around $35,000 in their first year—close to the national median for this field. The estimated $17,600 in debt suggests a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50, meaning students would owe roughly half their first-year salary. This positions Mission College's program more favorably than many peers: the national median debt for similar programs is $19,100, and California programs average over $23,000.

However, the wide earnings range among California programs tells an important story. While most associate programs in this field cluster around $35,000, a few community colleges in the Central Valley report outcomes above $70,000—more than double the typical first-year earnings. This dramatic difference likely reflects local workforce needs and the specific certifications or placements these outlier programs provide. Without knowing Mission College's specific graduate outcomes, it's worth investigating whether their curriculum leads to comparable opportunities in Silicon Valley's healthcare sector.

The manageable debt estimate offers some reassurance, but your child should understand that entry-level mental health positions generally pay modestly. If Mission College's program provides clear pathways to licensure or direct employment in Santa Clara County's healthcare system, the investment makes more sense than if it simply transfers credits elsewhere. Ask the school what percentage of recent graduates secured relevant jobs locally—actual placement data matters more than regional estimates.

Where Mission College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mental and social health services and allied professions associates's programs nationally

Mission College (estimated ±10%)Other mental and social health services and allied professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in California (49 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Mission CollegeSanta Clara$1,438$35,338*—$17,594*—
Coalinga CollegeCoalinga$1,384$72,116*——*—
Lemoore CollegeLemoore$1,384$71,182*——*—
InterCoast Colleges-RiversideRiverside—$35,338*$41,319$23,066*0.65
InterCoast Colleges-West CovinaWest Covina—$35,338*$41,319$23,066*0.65
InterCoast Colleges-FairfieldFairfield—$35,338*$41,319$23,066*0.65
National Median—$32,928*—$19,132*0.58
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with mental and social health services and allied professions graduates

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

$98,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Marriage and Family Therapists

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

$63,780/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Health Education Specialists

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

$63,000/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Healthcare Social Workers

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Social Workers, All Other

All social workers not listed separately.

$61,330/yrJobs growth:

Community Health Workers

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

$51,030/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Mission College, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.