At $27,397/yr net price, American Career College-Anaheim graduates earn $38,430/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,430/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,397 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,588 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,430/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,430/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 24.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,481/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,669/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,508/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,764/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,528/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,329 | $23,969 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,829 | $27,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,793 | $17,200 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $26,783 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $23,714 | $9,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $21,904 | $8,444 |
The Risk Factor
69.9% of students at American Career College-Anaheim graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
American Career College-Anaheim delivers mixed financial returns that depend entirely on which program you choose. The school's healthcare focus aligns well with Southern California's strong medical job market, but program selection makes the difference between solid earnings and financial disappointment.
Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the strongest ROI at $42,329 annually, though you'll carry higher debt loads around $24,000. Medical assisting and practical nursing programs provide decent middle-ground options with earnings in the high $30,000s. These healthcare roles remain in high demand across Orange County's hospital systems and medical practices.
Health and Medical Administrative Services programs present concerning returns. Earning $26,783 annually barely justifies the school's $27,397 yearly cost, especially when you factor in opportunity costs. Some medical assisting tracks show even weaker performance at under $24,000 annually.
Your biggest financial risk lies in program completion. With a 69% graduation rate, nearly one in three students leaves without credentials while still carrying debt. The school's for-profit structure means limited flexibility if you need to pause or change direction.
This school works financially if you're committed to hands-on healthcare careers and can handle accelerated program timelines. The relatively low median debt of $9,500 helps, though this varies significantly by program. You should avoid this option if you're unsure about healthcare as a career path or need extensive academic support services.
Financial aid covers 60% of students, but merit scholarships are limited at most for-profit institutions. Focus on federal aid options and consider whether community college nursing programs might offer similar training at lower cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Career College-Anaheim worth the cost?
With a net price of $27,397 per year and median earnings of $38,430 ten years after graduation, American Career College-Anaheim offers marginal returns. The debt-to-income ratio is manageable with median debt at $9,500, but earnings potential varies significantly by program.
Which programs at American Career College-Anaheim have the best ROI?
Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the strongest returns at $42,329 median earnings, followed by Medical Assisting Services at $38,829. Health and Medical Administrative Services programs show weaker outcomes at $26,783, making program choice critical for ROI.
What is the graduation rate at American Career College-Anaheim?
American Career College-Anaheim has a 69.90% graduation rate, which is below average for career colleges. Nearly one in three students don't complete their programs, adding risk to your investment.
How much debt do American Career College-Anaheim graduates have?
The median debt load is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to the annual net price of $27,397. Most students likely pay significant amounts out of pocket or through financial aid rather than borrowing.