Biological and Physical Sciences at San Diego Mesa College

San Diego Mesa College's Biological and Physical Sciences associate's degree shows an unusual earnings pattern that requires careful interpretation. First-year graduates earn just $19,521—roughly $6,000 below California's median for this program and in the bottom 5% nationally. However, by year four, earnings jump to $45,701, nearly double the state median. This 134% growth rate suggests graduates are either continuing their education (making these "earnings" potentially part-time wages while in school) or working entry-level positions before transitioning to better-paying roles.

The $7,785 in debt is reasonable and below both state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio even in that challenging first year. However, the small sample size here is crucial—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these figures could easily shift with different student circumstances. The year-four earnings might reflect just a handful of successful outcomes rather than a reliable pattern.

For parents, this data is too limited to make confident predictions. The low first-year earnings combined with the small sample suggests this program may primarily serve students planning to transfer to four-year institutions rather than enter the workforce directly. If your child plans to continue toward a bachelor's degree, Mesa could be a cost-effective starting point. But if they need employment immediately after graduation, other California community colleges show more consistent early earnings outcomes.