Career Networks Institute: 971 Students

971Students

77%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,256Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Career Networks Institute

Career Networks Institute trains students for technical careers in Orange County's competitive job market. This career college serves 971 students in Santa Ana, focusing on hands-on programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment. Nearly 70% of students are women, reflecting the school's strength in fields like healthcare and business support. The student body is predominantly Hispanic (44%) and Asian (27%), mirroring the diverse demographics of Southern California's workforce.

Students pay an average of $28,292 annually after financial aid, with lower-income families paying around $23,202. Graduates earn a median of $45,256 ten years after starting, though early career earnings can be higher at $74,258 in the first year. Most students borrow money, graduating with typical debt of $25,899 and monthly payments of $275. The investment pays off quickly for most, with 97.9% of graduates finding employment.

The school maintains a 100% retention rate, meaning students who start typically stay through completion. About 77% graduate within four years, and the focused curriculum keeps class sizes manageable with a 30:1 student-faculty ratio. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking career advancement.

Academics & Faculty

Career Networks Institute focuses on hands-on professional training rather than traditional academics. The school maintains a 30:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes than most colleges but reflects its career college model. Students can expect practical, job-focused coursework designed to prepare them for immediate employment after graduation. The 77% four-year graduation rate shows most students complete their programs on schedule. Nearly 70% of women make up the student body, suggesting programs that appeal to female career changers and first-time college students. The school's 98% employment rate indicates strong industry connections and job placement services that help graduates find work quickly after completing their career-focused programs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Full-Time Faculty: 13.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 77.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 76.9%
Retention Rate: 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,256
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

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Campus Life

Career Networks Institute draws students focused on practical career training to its Santa Ana campus in the heart of Orange County. The school serves 971 students who are 70% women and represent California's diversity, with 44% Hispanic and 27% Asian students. Classes average 30 students per instructor, creating a professional training environment rather than a traditional college atmosphere.

Santa Ana sits 35 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, where year-round temperatures hover between 60-80 degrees and students need sunscreen more than winter coats. The urban setting offers internship opportunities at nearby businesses and healthcare facilities. Students commute from across Orange County since the career college model focuses on intensive programs rather than campus life. Most spend weekends working part-time jobs or completing clinical rotations tied to their programs. The 100% retention rate reflects students' commitment to finishing their specialized training. With 98% employment rates after graduation, students view their time here as a stepping stone to immediate career entry rather than a traditional four-year college experience.

Setting: City-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 47°–69°F
July Avg: 63°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 13.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Career Networks Institute draws students from across California's diverse communities, with nearly 70% women reflecting the school's focus on healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract female students. The student body is predominantly Hispanic and Asian, mirroring Orange County's demographics. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking career advancement. All students come from California, indicating strong regional ties and local employer partnerships. This career college targets students who need practical skills training rather than traditional four-year degrees, preparing them for immediate entry into growing fields.

Men: 30.3%
Women: 69.7%
White: 14.3%
Black: 7.5%
Hispanic: 44.1%
Asian: 27.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 48.4%

Location

Career Networks Institute sits in Santa Ana, California, the second-largest city in Orange County with over 330,000 residents. The campus is located about 35 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles and just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Santa Ana serves as Orange County's governmental and business center, offering students access to internships and job opportunities in healthcare, technology, and professional services. The city's diverse population reflects the school's student body, with 44.08% of students identifying as Hispanic and 26.98% as Asian. The warm Mediterranean climate and proximity to both beach communities and major metropolitan areas create an ideal environment for career-focused education. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Career Networks Institute with similar schools in the region.

Address: Santa Ana, California 92705

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,256
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,428
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 42.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $275/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,899

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Career Networks Institute?

The school enrolls 971 students, with women making up nearly 70% of the student body. Hispanic students represent the largest group at 44%, followed by Asian students at 27%, reflecting the diverse demographics of Orange County.

How much does Career Networks Institute cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $28,292 annually, with lower-income families paying around $23,202. Nearly half of all students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many working-class families in the Santa Ana area.

What are class sizes like at Career Networks Institute?

The student-to-faculty ratio is 30:1, which means larger class sizes than traditional colleges. This career-focused institution emphasizes practical training over small seminar discussions, fitting its vocational mission.

How well do graduates from Career Networks Institute perform in the job market?

The employment rate reaches an impressive 97.9%, with median earnings of $45,256 ten years after graduation. The school's career-focused programs clearly prepare students for immediate workforce entry in growing industries.

Does Career Networks Institute have good student retention?

The retention rate is 100%, meaning virtually all first-year students return for their second year. The 77% four-year graduation rate is solid for a career college, suggesting students stay engaged through completion.

Is Career Networks Institute affordable for student loan repayment?

Graduates typically leave with $25,899 in debt and monthly loan payments of $275. However, only 42% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans, which raises concerns about long-term affordability despite the strong employment outcomes.