Skyline College
Skyline College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Skyline College at a Glance
Skyline College is a public community college in San Bruno, California. Opened in 1969, it is one of three comprehensive community colleges in the San Mateo County Community College District.
1969
57 years old
16,000
Identity
Is Skyline College Worth It?
Skyline College is one of the strongest value propositions in higher education. At $1,738/year net price and $55,702 median earnings, graduates earn 32.0× their annual cost within a decade of enrolling.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 43% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: Skyline College delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Skyline College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #1 of 249 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #2 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #3 | California State University-Stanislaus | 100 | $6,067 | $63,188 |
| #4 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #5 | CUNY Brooklyn College | 100 | $3,103 | $60,752 |
| #6 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | 100 | $3,203 | $56,195 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Skyline College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 12 in CA.
Best Programs at Skyline College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Skyline College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $1,738/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- San Bruno, CA
- Student Body
- 7,620 students
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $1,738
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,702