At $30,749/yr net price, Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus graduates earn $39,633/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,633/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,749 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $122,996 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,633/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,633/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 21.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,537 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $29,834/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,095/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,823/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $34,142/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,912/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $33,712 | $27,197 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $27,907 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,874 | $15,066 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $27,509 | $8,975 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,930 | $9,112 |
The Risk Factor
54.9% of students at Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus 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-Pleasant Hill Campus delivers poor financial returns for most students. With median earnings of $39,633 after 10 years and an annual net price of $30,749, you're looking at roughly break-even economics at best.
The earnings data reveals significant problems across programs. The highest-paying track, Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services, produces median earnings of just $33,712 while saddling graduates with $27,197 in debt. Criminal Justice graduates earn $27,874 annually but face median debt of $15,066. Most concerning, several programs generate starting salaries in the mid-$20,000 range after two years of expensive education.
Your financial risk centers on the school's 55% graduation rate combined with high costs. Nearly half of students don't complete their programs, yet the school charges private college prices for training that typically costs far less at community colleges. The Bay Area's high cost of living makes these modest salaries particularly inadequate.
This school makes financial sense only if you need the specific scheduling flexibility it offers and cannot access similar programs elsewhere. Community colleges in the region provide equivalent training at a fraction of the cost. If you're already working in healthcare and need credentials for advancement, the investment might pay off, but starting your career here puts you at a significant financial disadvantage.
With nearly 50% of students receiving financial aid, the school clearly recognizes affordability issues. However, even with aid, the debt-to-earnings ratios remain problematic across all programs. You should exhaust community college options before considering Carrington College.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus worth the cost?
With a net price of $30,749 per year and median earnings of $39,633 ten years after graduation, the financial return is modest. The relatively low graduation rate of 55% also increases the risk of paying for education without completing a degree.
What are the best paying programs at Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services offers the highest earnings at $33,712 annually, followed by Health and Medical Administrative Services at $27,907. Most other programs produce earnings below $28,000 per year.
How much debt do Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus graduates typically have?
The median debt is $11,537, which is relatively manageable compared to many colleges. However, with starting salaries often below $30,000 for most programs, even this amount can strain budgets.
Do Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus graduates earn enough to justify the tuition?
Most graduates earn between $25,000-$34,000 annually, which provides a tight margin over the annual cost of attendance. Students should carefully consider whether the specific career outcomes align with their financial goals before enrolling.