Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,684/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,684/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 100.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $28,500 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,565 |
The Risk Factor
100.0% of students at California Career College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
California Career College graduates hit a median of $51,684 ten years out, which puts your degree in solid but not spectacular territory for a private for-profit school in the Canoga Park area. The number that should catch your eye is the debt: $28,500 median, or more than half a year's earnings before taxes. That ratio is manageable if the salary holds, but it leaves little room if you land at the bottom of the pay range.
The 100% graduation and retention rates tell you that if you enroll, you finish. That matters here more than at most schools, because the biggest financial disaster in higher education is taking on debt and leaving without a credential. You avoid that risk entirely at this school, which is the strongest point in its favor.
No bachelor-level program salary data is listed here, so treating any single major as your payoff would be guessing. Judge the $51,684 figure as a whole-school outcome and ask the admissions office for the specific earnings of the program you want before you sign anything.
The main risk is for-profit pricing. Your net price depends heavily on your family income tier, so check the tier that applies to you before committing. Lower-income families leaning on the Pell Grant should compare this school's net price against a community college feeding into the same local jobs, because the debt load only pays off if the $51,684 salary is real for your field.
This school fits you if you want a defined vocational credential, plan to work locally, and value the near-certain completion. Look elsewhere if you can access cheaper public options for the same career, or if the program you want can't show earnings that clear the $28,500 debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California Career College worth the cost for nursing programs?
California Career College's nursing programs lead to median earnings of $33,565, which is relatively low compared to the $28,500 median debt. The return on investment is modest, though the 100% graduation rate indicates students complete their programs successfully.
What is the job outlook for California Career College graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $51,684 annually after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. The school focuses on practical nursing and vocational training, which typically offer stable but lower-paying career paths.
How much student debt do California Career College students typically have?
The median student debt is $28,500, which represents a significant portion of early career earnings given that nursing program graduates start around $33,565. Students should carefully consider loan terms and payment options.
Does California Career College have good graduation rates compared to other career schools?
California Career College reports a 100% graduation rate, which is unusually high for career colleges. However, this metric alone doesn't guarantee strong employment outcomes or financial returns on the education investment.