At $29,807/yr net price, American Career College-Ontario graduates earn $38,492/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,492/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,807 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $119,228 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,492/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,492/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 26.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.0% |
| 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 | $28,649/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,342/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,525/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,422/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,442/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $53,584 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,406 | $25,240 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,684 | $17,200 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $26,091 | $9,500 |
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $24,679 | $9,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $22,657 | $8,444 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $22,617 | $9,500 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $18,771 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
62.0% of students at American Career College-Ontario graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
American Career College-Ontario delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on which program you choose. The school's healthcare focus aligns well with Southern California's strong medical job market, but earnings vary dramatically by specialty.
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services stands out as the clear winner financially, generating median earnings that justify the investment. The Allied Health Diagnostic and Intervention programs also show solid returns despite higher debt loads. These programs position you for roles in the region's expanding healthcare sector.
Practical Nursing offers moderate returns with manageable debt, making it a safer middle-ground option. However, Health and Medical Administrative Services and Ophthalmic Support programs show weaker financial outcomes that may not offset your costs effectively.
The school carries specific risks tied to its for-profit structure and moderate graduation rate. You face a higher chance of leaving without completing your program compared to community colleges, which could leave you with debt but no credential. The concentrated focus on healthcare means economic downturns in that sector could impact all graduates simultaneously.
This school works best if you're targeting the top-paying Allied Health programs and can complete your degree within the expected timeframe. The location in Ontario provides access to Los Angeles-area medical facilities and competitive wages that help justify the higher costs compared to community college alternatives.
You should look elsewhere if you're interested in the lower-paying programs or if you have access to similar training at a California community college for significantly less money. The for-profit premium only makes sense if you specifically need the scheduling flexibility or accelerated timeline this school offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Career College-Ontario worth the cost?
With a net price of nearly $30,000 per year and median earnings of $38,492 ten years after graduation, the financial return is modest. The school's 62% graduation rate means over one-third of students don't finish their programs.
Which programs at American Career College-Ontario have the best ROI?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services offers the strongest return with graduates earning $53,584 annually. Avoid programs like Ophthalmic Support Services, where graduates earn just $24,679 despite similar tuition costs.
How much debt do American Career College-Ontario students graduate with?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to other private colleges. However, given the modest earning potential in most programs, even this amount can be challenging to repay.
What are the biggest risks of attending American Career College-Ontario?
The main risk is paying high tuition for programs with low earning potential. Nearly 40% of students don't graduate, meaning they face debt without a credential to show for it.