At $30,320/yr net price, California College of ASU graduates earn $42,014/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,014/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,320 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $121,280 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,014/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,014/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 15.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,658/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,458/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,758/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,319/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Communications. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Human Computer Interaction. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $24,035 | $16,056 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $22,268 | $26,666 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Associate | $18,429 | $16,833 |
The Risk Factor
48.4% of students at California College of ASU 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 College of ASU delivers poor financial returns that put most graduates in a difficult position. With median earnings of just $42,014 ten years after graduation and a net price of $30,320 annually, you face a steep uphill climb to justify this investment.
The school's creative programs show weak earning potential across the board. Graphic Communications tops the list at $35,060, but that's still well below what you need to comfortably service student debt. Film and video programs perform worse, with some graduates earning under $20,000 annually while carrying debt loads of $16,000 to $26,000.
The 48% graduation rate signals significant academic risk, meaning nearly half of students leave without completing their degree. The 36% retention rate is particularly concerning, suggesting many students recognize the poor value proposition early and transfer elsewhere.
You should seriously consider alternatives unless you have substantial family financial support or career connections in Los Angeles entertainment industry. The combination of high costs, low earnings, and poor completion rates creates a dangerous financial scenario for most students.
If you're determined to pursue creative fields, look for public universities with stronger support systems and lower costs, or consider starting at a community college before transferring. This school works financially only if you can graduate debt-free and have realistic expectations about entry-level creative industry salaries in an expensive market like Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California College of ASU worth the cost?
With a net price of $30,320 annually and median graduate earnings of just $42,014 ten years after graduation, California College of ASU offers poor return on investment. The high cost relative to low earnings makes it financially risky for most students.
What programs at California College of ASU have the best job prospects?
Graphic Communications offers the highest earnings at $35,060 annually, but even this top program pays significantly less than the school's annual cost. Most creative programs like Film/Video Arts start around $18,000-24,000 per year.
How much student debt do California College of ASU graduates typically have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable compared to the $30,320 annual cost. However, with low graduate earnings averaging $42,014, even this debt level creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio.
What is the graduation rate at California College of ASU?
Only 48.4% of students graduate, meaning over half who enroll never complete their degree. This low completion rate adds significant financial risk since students may accumulate debt without earning a credential.