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California State University-Dominguez Hills vs Mission College: which has better ROI?

Public, Carson CA · vs · Public, Santa Clara CA

The verdict

California State University-Dominguez Hills has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $34,460 in 3.9 years versus 3.9 years at Mission College, on median earnings of $57,162 vs $50,936 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCalifornia State University-Dominguez HillsMission College
Net price / yr$8,615$5,080
Total net cost$34,460$10,160
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,162$50,936
Median debt$13,807
Payback3.9 yrs3.9 yrs
20-year net return$141,580$41,360

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, California State University-Dominguez Hills or Mission College?

Mission College, at $5,080 a year after aid versus $8,615 — a gap of $3,535 a year, or $24,300 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do California State University-Dominguez Hills or Mission College graduates earn more?

California State University-Dominguez Hills graduates report a median $57,162 ten years after entry, $6,226 more than the $50,936 at Mission College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which graduates more of its students?

43% of students finish at California State University-Dominguez Hills, against 39% at Mission College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

California State University-Dominguez Hills vs Mission College: frequently asked questions

Is California State University-Dominguez Hills or Mission College a better value?
California State University-Dominguez Hills. It clears its $34,460 net cost in about 3.9 years versus 3.9 years at Mission College, on median earnings of $57,162 vs $50,936 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, California State University-Dominguez Hills or Mission College?
Mission College: $5,080/yr net price after aid versus $8,615/yr at California State University-Dominguez Hills — a difference of $3,535 a year, or about $24,300 over four years.
Do California State University-Dominguez Hills or Mission College graduates earn more?
California State University-Dominguez Hills graduates earn a median $57,162 ten years after entry, versus $50,936 at Mission College — a $6,226 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.