At $39,922/yr net price, Carrington College-Albuquerque graduates earn $36,718/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,718/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $39,922 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $159,688 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,718/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,718/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 58.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $39,734/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $40,769/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 | $64,281 | $32,311 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $27,758 | $9,431 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $24,298 | $8,958 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $22,493 | $8,789 |
The Risk Factor
54.0% of students at Carrington College-Albuquerque 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
Carrington College-Albuquerque offers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $64,281 annually, making it the clear financial winner despite higher debt loads of $32,311. This represents strong ROI in Albuquerque's healthcare market.
The other programs present concerning financial prospects. Health administration graduates earn just $27,758 annually, while medical assisting and dental support programs yield even lower returns at $24,298 and $22,493 respectively. These earnings barely justify the school's $39,922 annual net price, especially considering you could complete similar programs elsewhere for significantly less.
The 54% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt. The median debt of $9,500 appears manageable, but this figure masks the reality that nursing students face much higher borrowing requirements.
You should consider Carrington College-Albuquerque only if you plan to pursue nursing and can commit to completing the program. The nursing market in Albuquerque supports these salary levels, making the investment worthwhile for dedicated students. For all other programs, community colleges offer similar training at lower costs with better value.
Financial aid reaches 62% of students, but merit scholarships appear limited at this for-profit institution. Your best cost strategy involves minimizing borrowing for non-nursing programs or choosing alternative schools entirely. The high net price combined with modest earning potential in most programs creates a challenging financial equation that favors only the most determined nursing students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrington College-Albuquerque worth the cost?
The return on investment is poor overall, with graduates earning $36,718 ten years after enrollment while paying nearly $40,000 annually. Only nursing programs show strong earning potential at $64,281, making the cost worthwhile primarily for RN students.
What programs at Carrington College-Albuquerque have the best ROI?
Registered Nursing graduates earn $64,281 annually, providing solid returns that justify the tuition cost. Other programs like medical assisting ($24,298) and dental support ($22,493) offer poor ROI given the high annual cost of $39,922.
How much debt do Carrington College-Albuquerque students typically graduate with?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,500, but the 54% graduation rate means many students leave without completing their programs. Students who don't graduate still carry debt without the credential needed for higher-paying jobs.
Should I attend Carrington College-Albuquerque for medical assisting?
Medical assisting graduates earn just $24,298 annually, which doesn't justify the $39,922 yearly tuition cost. Community colleges offer similar programs at much lower costs with better financial returns.