Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,016 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,064 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,523 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,786/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,359/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems. | Associate | $15,922 | $29,500 |
Analysis
American College of Healthcare Sciences presents a concerning financial picture with extremely low graduate earnings that fail to justify even its moderate costs. The school's flagship alternative medicine program produces graduates earning just $15,922 annually while carrying $29,500 in debt, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio that will take decades to resolve.
The 50% retention rate signals significant student dissatisfaction or academic struggles, meaning you face substantial risk of accumulating debt without completing your degree. With 62% of students requiring financial aid and median debt of $13,523, most graduates enter a job market where their credentials command poverty-level wages in a field with limited growth prospects and questionable insurance coverage for services.
This school makes financial sense only if you already work in healthcare and need specific certifications for advancement, or if you can afford the full cost without borrowing. The alternative medicine field requires significant entrepreneurial skills and business development that the school's outcomes suggest most graduates lack.
You should look elsewhere if you need student loans, expect traditional employment opportunities, or want career flexibility. The combination of high dropout risk, minimal earning potential, and a specialized field with limited job security creates multiple paths to financial hardship. Consider community college health programs or accredited universities with established healthcare tracks that provide better job placement and employer recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American College of Healthcare Sciences worth the cost?
American College of Healthcare Sciences has a relatively low median debt of $13,523, which is manageable compared to most colleges. However, the top program in Alternative and Complementary Medicine shows starting salaries around $15,922, creating potential financial challenges for graduates.
What is the ROI for American College of Healthcare Sciences graduates?
The ROI is concerning for most programs, with the main Alternative Medicine track showing very low starting salaries relative to the $24,016 annual cost. Students should carefully research specific career outcomes in their chosen field before enrolling.
How much debt do American College of Healthcare Sciences students typically graduate with?
Students graduate with a median debt of $13,523, which is lower than the national average. The bigger concern is earning potential, as the main program area shows starting salaries that may make even this modest debt difficult to repay quickly.
Are there high-paying careers after graduating from American College of Healthcare Sciences?
The school focuses primarily on alternative medicine fields, which typically offer lower starting salaries than traditional healthcare roles. Students interested in higher-paying healthcare careers should consider programs at schools with stronger connections to conventional medical fields.