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
The numbers at California Aeronautical University don't add up in your favor. You pay about $38,000 a year net, and ten years after enrolling the median graduate earns roughly the same amount annually. Spending four years and taking on debt to end up making what one year of school costs is a weak return by any standard.
The graduation rate sits below 42%, so more than half of students who start don't finish. That's the first risk: you may pay for years and leave without the degree, still carrying the debt. Retention tells the same story, with nearly four in ten students gone after the first year. Median debt of about $30,000 is manageable only if you graduate and earn well, and the earnings data suggests many don't.
Among the programs listed, Business Administration pays the most and is the only one clearing $48,000. Health and Medical Administrative Services and Criminal Justice both land in the low $30,000s, barely above what a high school graduate might earn and below the school's own net price. If you enroll, Business Administration is the one program here where the math has a chance of working.
The net price tiers should worry lower-income families most. Even if your family earns under $30,000, you still face about $34,000 a year, and the price climbs only modestly as income rises. That flat pricing means the lowest earners carry the heaviest relative burden for outcomes that don't reliably justify it.
This school makes financial sense only if you're set on a specific aviation career it serves and have a clear job lined up after. If you're weighing it as a general path to a degree and a decent salary, the earnings and completion numbers point you elsewhere.
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.