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Head-to-head · 2026

Hartnell College vs Modesto Junior College

Compare average net price ($2,039 at Hartnell College; $2,818 at Modesto Junior College), ROI score (54.34 vs 37.59), ten-year median earnings ($44,316 vs $42,368), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Hartnell College; Open / not reported at Modesto Junior College) using federal College Scorecard data. Hartnell College has a 4-0 metric-level edge. Hartnell College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.

Face to face

Metric-by-metric comparison

9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.

Metric Hartnell College Modesto Junior College
ROI score 54.34 37.59
Avg net price $2,039 $2,818
Median earnings (10y) $44,316 $42,368
Acceptance rate Open / not reported Open / not reported
Graduation rate 40% 29.6%
Median debt
Enrollment 9,453 15,109
Ownership Public Public
Avg SAT
Metric advantages 4 0

Value readout

Where each school has the edge

Modesto Junior College costs $779 more per year than Hartnell College ($2,818 vs $2,039). Hartnell College graduates report $1,948 higher median earnings after ten years ($44,316 vs $42,368). On EduGradify's model that puts Hartnell College ahead on projected ROI (54.34 vs 37.59, exceptional investment).

The more affordable option (Hartnell College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.

Frequently asked

Hartnell College vs Modesto Junior College, answered

4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.

Is Hartnell College or Modesto Junior College the better value?

Hartnell College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (54.34 vs 37.59), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.

Which school costs less after aid?

Hartnell College is cheaper — average net price $2,039 per year vs $2,818 at Modesto Junior College. The annual difference of $779 adds up to about $3,116 over four years.

Which school reports higher earnings?

Hartnell College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $44,316 vs $42,368 at Modesto Junior College. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,948.

What should I compare beyond ROI?

Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Hartnell College reports a A+ value grade; Modesto Junior College reports A+.