At $22,485/yr net price, Blue Cliff College-Alexandria graduates earn $22,177/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,485 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $89,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $22,177/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-11,823/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.5% |
| 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 | $22,519/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,692/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $18,855 | $21,030 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $17,109 | $9,500 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $14,692 | $7,885 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $14,475 | $9,855 |
The Risk Factor
32.5% of students at Blue Cliff College-Alexandria graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Blue Cliff College-Alexandria delivers poor financial returns that rarely justify the costs. With median post-graduation earnings of $22,177 against a net price of $22,485 annually, you'll essentially pay one full year of tuition for every year of increased earning potential.
The school's healthcare programs offer the strongest financial prospects, though still underwhelming. Allied Health and Medical Assisting graduates earn around $18,000 annually, which barely covers living expenses in Louisiana. The concerning graduation rate of 32.5% means most students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it.
Cosmetology and massage therapy programs produce particularly weak returns. Cosmetology graduates earn $14,475 yearly while carrying nearly $10,000 in debt. Massage therapy shows similar patterns with $14,692 in earnings against $7,885 in debt. These figures fall well below what you'd need for financial stability.
Blue Cliff College works financially only if you're pursuing healthcare training as a stepping stone to higher credentials elsewhere, have significant family financial support, or can attend without borrowing. The school's high financial aid participation rate of 80.9% suggests most students need substantial assistance, yet outcomes remain poor.
Consider community colleges for similar programs at lower costs, or explore apprenticeships and employer-sponsored training in healthcare fields. If you're set on Blue Cliff College, complete your program quickly, minimize borrowing, and have a clear post-graduation employment plan. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and modest earning potential makes this school a risky financial choice for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cliff College-Alexandria worth the money?
Blue Cliff College-Alexandria graduates earn a median of $22,177 ten years after enrollment, barely covering the $22,485 annual net price. With a 32.5% graduation rate, most students don't complete their programs.
What programs at Blue Cliff College-Alexandria have the best ROI?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting programs offer the highest starting salaries at $18,855 and $17,109. Cosmetology graduates start at just $14,475, making it harder to justify the program cost.
How much debt do Blue Cliff College-Alexandria students typically have?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to four-year colleges. However, with graduate earnings around $22,000, even this smaller debt burden takes years to pay off.
Does Blue Cliff College-Alexandria have good job placement rates?
The school's 32.5% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. While specific job placement data isn't available, the low graduate earnings indicate limited career advancement opportunities.