University of Silicon Valley
University of Silicon Valley — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is University of Silicon Valley Worth It?
At a value score of 14/100, University of Silicon Valley is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,017 — 5% below average — while paying $27,815/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 31% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $31,000 representing 61% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Silicon Valley has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Silicon Valley compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #12 of 13 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 | Center for Advanced Legal Studies | 62 | $13,959 | $56,561 |
| #2 | Angeles College | 41 | $28,639 | $49,108 |
| #3 | Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati | 30 | $28,785 | $61,480 |
| #4 | Platt College-Ontario | 28 | $20,711 | $40,669 |
| #5 | California Career College | 28 | $46,880 | $51,684 |
| #6 | Platt College-Anaheim | 28 | $22,678 | $40,669 |
| #12 | University of Silicon Valley | 14 | $27,815 | $51,017 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of University of Silicon Valley's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in CA.
Best Programs at University of Silicon Valley
The highest-earning program at University of Silicon Valley is Graphic Communications at $25,500/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Graphic Communications graduate from University of Silicon Valley earns $25,500, while a Graphic Communications graduate earns $25,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Graphic Communications graduates carry $30,125 in median debt vs. $30,125 for Graphic Communications.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,815/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
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Communications | $25,500 | $25,500 | $30,125 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- San Jose, CA
- Student Body
- 455 students
- Admission Rate
- 51%
- Graduation Rate
- 31%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,815
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,017
- Median Student Debt
- $31,000