Est. Earnings (1yr)
$97,457
Est. from CA median (57 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$14,411
Est. from CA median (50 programs)

Analysis

California's nursing market appears exceptionally strong for associate degree graduates, with similar programs across the state suggesting first-year earnings around $97,000—substantially higher than the $68,000 national median. San Diego City College's program, while lacking reported outcomes due to small graduate samples, likely benefits from this regional advantage. The estimated $14,400 in debt (based on comparable California community college nursing programs) creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.15, meaning graduates could potentially pay off loans in under two months of work.

The fourth-year earnings figure of $79,800—one of the few actual data points available—seems puzzlingly lower than the estimated first-year number. This could reflect measurement quirks, career changes, or part-time work, but it creates uncertainty about the typical earnings trajectory. Still, even this lower figure substantially outpaces the national median and suggests solid earning potential. California's nursing programs consistently outperform national benchmarks, with the top community college programs showing first-year earnings exceeding $110,000.

For parents considering this program: the estimated debt burden appears manageable relative to California nursing salaries, and community college nursing programs in the state have a track record of strong outcomes. However, recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into this specific program's results—the school simply hasn't graduated enough students in recent cohorts to generate published data.

Where San Diego City College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
San Diego City College$79,803
Contra Costa College$101,064$133,295+32%
Sacramento City College$100,622$123,056+22%
Santa Rosa Junior College$100,800$122,896+22%
Unitek College$120,006$119,891-0%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in California (109 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
San Diego City CollegeSan Diego$1,150$97,457*$79,803$14,411*
Unitek CollegeFremont$120,006*$119,891$27,113*0.23
Yuba CollegeMarysville$1,128$117,283*$118,060$8,729*0.07
Mendocino CollegeUkiah$1,423$113,261**
Pacific Union CollegeAngwin$35,214$110,696*$99,360$27,000*0.24
Merced CollegeMerced$1,194$107,024*$92,668$12,750*0.12
National Median$68,409*$20,751*0.30
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 San Diego City College, approximately 22% 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 57 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.