At $28,292/yr net price, Career Networks Institute graduates earn $45,256/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,256/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,292 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $113,168 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,256/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,256/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,899 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,202/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,738/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,097/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,097/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $65,387 | $27,986 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,606 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $30,228 | $14,938 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,640 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
76.9% of students at Career Networks Institute graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Career Networks Institute delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing programs offering solid payoffs but other healthcare tracks falling short of the investment required.
Your best bet financially is the Registered Nursing program, where graduates earn $65,387 annually against $27,986 in debt. This creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio that justifies the $28,292 annual cost. The practical nursing track also works financially, though the $37,606 median salary represents a more modest return.
The remaining allied health programs present concerning value propositions. Allied Health Diagnostic graduates earn just $30,228 annually, while those in Medical Assisting average $27,640. Both salaries fall well below what you need to comfortably service the debt load from this expensive private institution.
The school's 100% retention rate suggests students stay enrolled, but the 76.9% graduation rate means nearly one in four students accumulates debt without completing their program. This risk hits harder at a for-profit institution where credits rarely transfer if you need to finish elsewhere.
Career Networks Institute makes financial sense if you can secure admission to nursing and commit to completing the program. The Orange County job market supports strong nursing salaries that justify the investment. However, if you're considering the lower-paying allied health tracks, community colleges offer similar training at a fraction of the cost.
With less than half of students receiving financial aid, expect limited scholarship opportunities. Your strategy should focus on completing quickly to minimize total debt accumulation, particularly in nursing where the career prospects support the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Career Networks Institute worth the cost?
Career Networks Institute's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Registered nursing graduates earn $65,387 annually, making the $28,292 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs like medical assisting lead to wages barely above the cost of attendance.
What Career Networks Institute programs have the best return on investment?
Registered nursing programs offer the strongest ROI at Career Networks Institute, with graduates earning $65,387 compared to the school's $28,292 annual cost. Practical nursing also provides decent returns at $37,606, while medical assisting and other allied health programs offer poor financial outcomes.
How much debt do Career Networks Institute students graduate with?
Career Networks Institute students graduate with a median debt of $25,899. With overall graduate earnings averaging $45,256 after 10 years, this debt load is manageable for nursing students but creates financial strain for those in lower-paying programs.
Do Career Networks Institute graduates get good jobs after graduation?
Career Networks Institute has a 76.9% graduation rate, which is reasonable for a vocational school. However, job quality varies dramatically by program, with nursing graduates finding well-paying positions while allied health graduates often struggle with low wages relative to their education costs.