Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,666/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,666/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,878 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | Master | $102,600 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Doctoral | $73,949 | $126,526 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $69,338 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Doctoral | $67,995 | $157,500 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $65,610 | $195,866 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Certificate | $63,501 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $63,005 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $61,516 | $61,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $52,941 | $35,450 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $45,980 | $107,070 |
The Risk Factor
22.2% of students at Alliant International University-San Diego graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Alliant International University-San Diego presents a financially risky proposition with a 22% graduation rate that undermines any potential return on investment. Your chances of completing your degree here are roughly one in five, making this one of the poorest graduation rates among accredited universities.
Research and Experimental Psychology stands out as the only program worth considering financially, generating $102,600 annually. However, the psychology and counseling programs that dominate this campus carry devastating debt loads. Clinical Psychology graduates face nearly $196,000 in debt for a $65,610 salary, creating a debt-to-income ratio that will cripple your financial future for decades. Mental Health Services programs saddle you with $157,500 in debt for $68,000 in earnings.
The school's for-profit status means you'll pay premium prices without the endowment backing or alumni networks that justify high costs elsewhere. With only 2% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay full freight with minimal institutional support.
San Diego's psychology job market cannot absorb graduates at salaries that justify these debt levels. The region's high cost of living makes the modest earnings even less viable when combined with massive loan payments.
You should look elsewhere unless you're specifically pursuing the Research Psychology program and have secured funding that minimizes borrowing. The combination of abysmal graduation rates, extreme debt loads in most programs, and limited financial aid makes this school a poor financial choice for virtually all prospective students. Traditional public universities or nonprofit private schools offer far better value propositions for psychology and counseling education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alliant International University-San Diego worth the cost?
With a 22% graduation rate and median earnings of $66,666 ten years after graduation, Alliant International University-San Diego presents significant financial risk. The low graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, making the investment particularly risky.
What are the best paying programs at Alliant International University-San Diego?
Research and Experimental Psychology offers the highest ROI at $102,600 median earnings, followed by Human Resources Management at $73,949. Psychology and counseling programs generally pay less, with clinical psychology graduates earning around $65,610.
How much student debt do Alliant International University-San Diego graduates have?
The median debt is $12,878, which is relatively manageable compared to many private universities. However, this figure only reflects students who actually graduate, not the 78% who don't complete their programs.
Should I attend Alliant International University-San Diego for psychology?
Psychology programs at Alliant show mixed results - research psychology pays well at $102,600, but clinical and counseling psychology average only $65,610-$68,000. The extremely low graduation rate makes any program here a risky choice.