At $15,727/yr net price, ASPIRA City College graduates earn $34,857/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $857/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,727 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,908 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,857/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$857/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 73.4 years |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,727/yr |
Analysis
ASPIRA City College delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost. Your median earnings of $34,857 ten years after enrollment barely exceed what many high school graduates earn, yet you'll pay $15,727 annually for this two-year program.
The college's focus on community health and human services creates a mismatch between tuition costs and career earning potential. These fields typically offer starting salaries in the high $20,000s to low $30,000s in Philadelphia, making it nearly impossible to recoup your educational investment quickly. You're essentially paying private college prices for careers that community colleges serve at half the cost.
Nearly three-quarters of students receive financial aid, which suggests the sticker price creates affordability challenges for most families. However, even with aid bringing costs down to the net price of $15,727, the return remains weak compared to earning potential.
This school works financially only if you're committed to nonprofit work and can secure substantial grants or scholarships that push your out-of-pocket costs below $8,000 annually. If you're exploring community health or social services careers, your local community college likely offers similar programs at significantly lower costs with better ROI.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong earning potential to justify educational debt. The numbers simply don't support taking on significant costs for programs that lead to modestly-paid service careers, regardless of their social value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASPIRA City College worth the cost?
With graduates earning around $35,000 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $15,727 annually, ASPIRA City College delivers below-average financial returns. The school's open admission policy means you're guaranteed entry, but the earnings data suggests limited career advancement potential.
What is the return on investment for ASPIRA City College?
ASPIRA City College graduates earn about $35,000 annually a decade after starting school, which is well below the national average for college graduates. At roughly $63,000 for a four-year degree, students face a lengthy payback period with modest earning potential.
How much debt do ASPIRA City College students typically graduate with?
While specific debt figures vary by student, the annual net price of $15,727 means students could accumulate significant debt relative to their post-graduation earning power of around $35,000. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that may strain finances after graduation.
Which programs at ASPIRA City College have the best job prospects?
The school's overall graduate earnings average $35,000 annually, suggesting most programs lead to entry-level positions with limited growth potential. Students should research specific program outcomes and local job market demand before enrolling.