At $37,143/yr net price, Carrington College-Sacramento 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) | $37,143 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $148,572 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,633/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,633/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 26.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.8% |
| 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 | $36,748/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $36,961/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $37,225/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $39,495/yr |
| $110,001+ | $40,588/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 | $90,412 | $26,825 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $60,264 | $29,523 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $48,667 | $20,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $47,260 | $18,941 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $42,682 | $17,375 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $33,712 | $27,197 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,527 | $19,484 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $27,907 | $9,442 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $27,907 | $10,838 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,874 | $15,066 |
The Risk Factor
51.8% of students at Carrington College-Sacramento 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-Sacramento delivers strong returns for nursing students but poor value for most other programs. The registered nursing program justifies its $26,825 debt load with $90,412 median earnings, creating a solid pathway to middle-class income in Sacramento's competitive healthcare market.
Dental support services offer decent returns at $60,264 annual earnings, though the $29,523 debt burden requires careful consideration. The practical nursing programs provide more modest returns around $42,000-$47,000 annually with lower debt loads under $19,000, making them viable options for career changers seeking stable employment without extensive schooling.
The school's 52% graduation rate and 62% retention rate signal significant completion risks that could leave you with debt but no credential. Your financial aid package becomes critical since 56% of students receive assistance, yet the $37,143 annual net price remains steep for a for-profit institution.
You should consider Carrington College-Sacramento only if you're committed to nursing or dental support roles and can complete the program. The Sacramento region's growing healthcare sector supports these career paths, but the school's completion rates suggest many students struggle to finish. Community colleges offer similar healthcare programs at much lower costs, making Carrington's premium pricing difficult to justify unless you need the flexibility of private education or specific program features unavailable elsewhere.
Skip this school if you're exploring general business or liberal arts programs, as the data shows poor returns outside healthcare fields. The median earnings of $39,633 across all programs barely exceed what you'd earn without a degree, making the financial risk substantial for uncertain graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrington College-Sacramento worth the cost?
The return on investment is questionable for most students. With a net price of $37,143 per year and median earnings of only $39,633 ten years after graduation, many graduates will struggle to justify the expense.
What are the best paying programs at Carrington College-Sacramento?
Registered Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning around $90,412 annually. Dental Support Services graduates earn about $60,264, making these the only programs that clearly justify the school's high costs.
How much debt do Carrington College-Sacramento graduates have?
The median debt is $11,537, which is relatively manageable. However, with low graduation rates at 52% and modest post-graduation earnings, even this debt level can be challenging for many students.
Should I attend Carrington College-Sacramento for nursing?
If you can get into the Registered Nursing program, yes. RN graduates earn $90,412 on average, making it one of the few programs worth the investment at this school.