Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $93,610/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$59,610/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $40,326 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $87,682 | $37,584 |
The Risk Factor
50.0% of students at American University of Health Sciences graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
American University of Health Sciences gives you a clear financial return if you finish, but finishing is the gamble. The nursing bachelor's program pays $87,682 a year ten years out, which is strong money for a single-focus health school in the Signal Hill and greater Los Angeles market, where hospital and clinical nursing demand is steady. Your debt load of about $37,584 for that program is well below what you'd earn in a single year, so the payback math works in your favor.
This is a nursing school first. The bachelor-level nursing pathway is the one program with reported earnings, and it's the reason to enroll here. If you're not committed to nursing or a related clinical health field, there's no data here suggesting another payoff, so look elsewhere.
The biggest risk is the 50 percent graduation rate. Half of students don't finish, and if you're in that half you can still carry debt without the $87,682 salary to pay it down. As a private for-profit school, your tuition isn't subsidized the way a state nursing program would be, so dropping out here is more expensive than dropping out of a public alternative.
This school fits you if you're set on nursing, can handle a demanding clinical program, and will see it through to the degree. Your net price tier matters: at lower incomes the aid picture softens the sticker cost, while at higher incomes you'll pay closer to full for a credential a California community college or state university might deliver cheaper. Weigh the for-profit price against public nursing programs before you commit, and only enroll if you're confident you'll graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American University of Health Sciences worth the cost for nursing students?
The nursing programs show decent returns with graduates earning around $87,682 annually, which can justify the $40,326 median debt load. However, the 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish their programs.
What is the return on investment for American University of Health Sciences graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $93,610 ten years after enrollment, which is solid for healthcare careers. The debt-to-income ratio is manageable for those who complete their degrees, but the graduation rate raises concerns about program completion.
Does American University of Health Sciences have high student debt compared to earnings?
The median debt of $40,326 is reasonable relative to the $93,610 median earnings after 10 years. Students typically see a positive return, though success depends heavily on program completion.
Are American University of Health Sciences programs financially risky?
The main financial risk is the 50% graduation rate, meaning many students accumulate debt without earning a degree. Those who do graduate generally see good earning potential in healthcare fields.