At $38,205/yr net price, California Aeronautical University graduates earn $38,361/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,361/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $38,205 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $152,820 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,361/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,361/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 35 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $30,705 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $34,367/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,853/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $37,028/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $41,966/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,331/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $40,896 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $34,847 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
The Risk Factor
41.9% of students at California Aeronautical University 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
California Aeronautical University delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $38,205 annual price tag. With median earnings of just $38,361 ten years after graduation, you'll barely earn more than what you pay each year to attend.
Business Administration offers the strongest financial outcome at $48,041 annually, making it the only program that provides reasonable earnings relative to costs. Accounting graduates earn $40,896, which still creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio. The remaining programs, including Legal Support Services and health-related fields, produce earnings in the mid-$30,000 range that make loan repayment difficult.
The 42% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. With nearly six out of ten students failing to complete their degrees, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without earning the credential needed to access higher-paying positions. The 62% retention rate signals early warning signs about student satisfaction and academic support.
This school works financially only if you can pay cash or secure substantial family support, eliminating debt concerns entirely. Students requiring loans face years of financial strain given the earnings-to-debt mismatch. Those considering health administration or allied health programs should explore community college alternatives that offer similar career preparation at much lower costs.
California's competitive job market makes the modest earnings particularly problematic. The $30,705 median debt load becomes unmanageable when monthly loan payments consume a large portion of your post-graduation income. Focus on Business Administration if you choose to attend, but carefully evaluate whether other California institutions offer better value for your specific career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California Aeronautical University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $38,361 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $38,205 annually, California Aeronautical University offers minimal financial return on investment. The school's low 42% graduation rate adds significant risk to an already questionable value proposition.
What are the highest paying programs at California Aeronautical University?
Business Administration and Management graduates earn the most at $48,041 annually, followed by Accounting at $40,896. Even the top-paying programs barely exceed the school's annual cost, making debt payoff challenging.
How much debt do California Aeronautical University graduates typically have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $30,705. Given the low starting salaries and poor graduation rates, many students risk taking on debt they cannot reasonably pay back.
Does California Aeronautical University have good job placement after graduation?
With only 42% of students graduating and median earnings barely above the annual tuition cost, California Aeronautical University shows poor outcomes for career preparation. Most graduates struggle to earn enough to justify their education investment.