Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,922 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,688 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,922/yr |
The Risk Factor
80.0% of students at California College of Music graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
California College of Music charges a net price of $18,922 per year, and that figure holds even for families earning under $30,000. That flat rate is the single most important number here: unlike most schools, there's no visible discount for low-income families in the data provided. If your household earns under $30k, you pay the same $18,922 as everyone else, which is a heavy load on a small income.
The 80% graduation rate is a genuine strength for a two-year for-profit school. Most students who enroll finish, so the risk of paying tuition and walking away with no credential is lower here than at many similar schools.
Beyond that, the data runs thin. There are no program-level salary figures provided, so there's no honest way to tell you which majors at this school pay off and which don't, or whether music graduates from Pasadena earn enough to justify roughly $38,000 over two years. For a music-focused for-profit, that earnings question is the whole ballgame, and it's exactly the number missing here.
This school fits you if you can cover or finance the cost without straining, you're committed to a music career, and you've independently checked what its graduates actually earn. Look elsewhere if you're relying on need-based aid to bring the price down, because the data shows no such tier exists, or if you need earnings evidence before you borrow.
If you can share the program salary tables or aid data from the page, I'll write a sharper analysis grounded in those numbers.Frequently Asked Questions
Is California College of Music worth the cost?
California College of Music's $18,922 annual net price is relatively affordable for music education, but career earnings in music are typically low and inconsistent. The 80% graduation rate is strong, though job prospects depend heavily on individual talent and networking rather than the degree itself.
What is the return on investment for California College of Music graduates?
Music careers generally offer poor financial returns compared to other fields, and California College of Music graduates face the same reality. Most music industry jobs pay below median wages, making it difficult to recoup educational costs through salary alone.
How much debt do California College of Music students typically have?
With a net price around $19,000 annually, students completing a four-year program could graduate with $76,000 in debt before interest. This debt level is risky given that entry-level music industry salaries often start below $30,000.
Which California College of Music programs have the best job prospects?
Music production and audio engineering programs typically offer better earning potential than performance degrees. However, all music industry careers remain highly competitive with uncertain income, regardless of specialization.