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
The financial return at California College of ASU is weak, and the numbers say so plainly. You pay a net price of $30,320 a year, but median earnings ten years out land at $42,014 , barely above what many jobs require no degree at all. Four years at that price runs past $120,000 before you earn a dollar from the degree.
The only bachelor's program with reported earnings data is Film/Video and Photographic Arts, and it is the clearest warning here. Graduates carry about $26,666 in debt and report earnings of $22,268 a year. You would owe more than you make. If this is the program drawing you to the school, the math does not work, and the Los Angeles film market is crowded enough that a low-cost or free path into the industry beats borrowing for this one.
The retention rate is the biggest risk. At 36%, most first-year students do not return for a second year. You are more likely to leave than to stay, and if you leave with debt and no degree, you carry the cost with none of the payoff. The 48% graduation rate compounds the problem , roughly half who enroll never finish.
The net price barely moves across income levels. Families under $30,000 pay about the same $30,000 as families over $110,000. There is no meaningful discount for lower income here, so if you qualify for aid elsewhere, you will likely pay far less at another school for the same field.
This school is a hard financial fit for almost anyone borrowing to attend. If you cannot pay cash and have a specific, funded reason to be here, look elsewhere.
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.