At $27,508/yr net price, American Career College-Los Angeles 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) | $27,508 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,032 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,430/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,430/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 24.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.3% |
| 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 | $26,493/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,885/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,335/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,911/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $43,426 | |
| 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 |
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $26,121 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $23,714 | $9,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $21,904 | $8,444 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $16,663 |
The Risk Factor
72.3% of students at American Career College-Los Angeles graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
American Career College-Los Angeles delivers mixed financial returns with healthcare programs performing significantly better than others. Your earnings potential varies dramatically by major, with some programs offering solid career prospects while others struggle to justify their costs.
The health and medical administrative services programs show the strongest returns, with top earners reaching $43,426 annually. Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs also perform well at $42,329, though you'll carry higher debt loads. Medical assisting positions land in the middle at $38,829 but come with substantial debt of $27,000. Practical nursing offers decent earning potential at $37,793 with more manageable debt of $17,200.
You face significant financial risk if you pursue the lower-earning health administrative track that pays just $26,783. This program cannot support the school's annual costs and leaves you financially worse off. The 72% graduation rate means nearly three in ten students never complete their programs, losing time and money without credentials.
This school works best if you're committed to hands-on healthcare careers and can complete your program successfully. The nursing and diagnostic programs provide clear pathways to stable employment in Los Angeles's large healthcare market. Avoid the administrative programs unless you have specific job connections.
Nearly 59% of students receive financial aid, and the relatively low median debt of $9,500 suggests the school offers reasonable aid packages for qualified students. Focus on programs with the highest earning potential and complete your degree to maximize your investment. Consider community college alternatives for medical administrative roles that offer similar training at lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Career College-Los Angeles worth the cost?
With graduates earning $38,430 ten years after enrollment and annual costs of $27,508, the financial return is modest. The school works best for students focused on healthcare careers who can complete programs quickly and enter the workforce.
What programs at American Career College-Los Angeles have the best ROI?
Health and Medical Administrative Services ($43,426 median earnings) and Allied Health Diagnostic programs ($42,329) offer the strongest returns. Avoid the lower-paying Health and Medical Administrative Services track that only leads to $26,783 in earnings.
How much debt do American Career College-Los Angeles graduates typically have?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,500, which helps offset the modest earning potential. This debt load is manageable compared to many other career colleges.
Does American Career College-Los Angeles have good graduation rates?
The 72% graduation rate is above average for career colleges, indicating most students complete their programs. However, completing the program doesn't guarantee strong earnings given the limited salary growth in many healthcare support roles.