Head-to-head · 2026
Irvine Valley College vs Santa Monica College
Compare average net price ($2,090 at Irvine Valley College; $2,779 at Santa Monica College), ROI score (58.80 vs 37.96), ten-year median earnings ($49,156 vs $42,193), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Irvine Valley College; Open / not reported at Santa Monica College) using federal College Scorecard data. Irvine Valley College has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Irvine Valley 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 | Irvine Valley College | Santa Monica College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 58.80 ✓ | 37.96 |
| Avg net price | $2,090 ✓ | $2,779 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $49,156 ✓ | $42,193 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 57.1% ✓ | 36.3% |
| Median debt | $6,500 | $6,450 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 10,286 | 21,440 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Santa Monica College costs $689 more per year than Irvine Valley College ($2,779 vs $2,090). Irvine Valley College graduates report $6,963 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,156 vs $42,193). On EduGradify's model that puts Irvine Valley College ahead on projected ROI (58.80 vs 37.96, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Irvine Valley 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
Irvine Valley College vs Santa Monica College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Irvine Valley College or Santa Monica College the better value?
Irvine Valley College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (58.80 vs 37.96), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Irvine Valley College is cheaper — average net price $2,090 per year vs $2,779 at Santa Monica College. The annual difference of $689 adds up to about $2,756 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Irvine Valley College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,156 vs $42,193 at Santa Monica College. The annual gap in the federal data is $6,963.
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. Irvine Valley College reports a A+ value grade; Santa Monica College reports A+.