At $31,043/yr net price, Carrington College-San Jose 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) | $31,043 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $124,172 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,633/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,633/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 22 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.6% |
| 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 | $30,127/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,521/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,000/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $34,391/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,002/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $27,907 | $9,442 |
| 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
55.6% of students at Carrington College-San Jose 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-San Jose delivers mixed financial returns, with healthcare programs offering solid earning potential but high costs that strain your budget. Your net price of over $31,000 annually makes this one of the most expensive community college alternatives in the Bay Area.
Dental support services graduates earn $60,264 annually, making this program financially viable despite carrying $29,523 in debt. Allied health diagnostic programs also justify their cost with $48,667 in earnings. Nursing programs deliver respectable returns around $42,000-$47,000 with manageable debt loads under $19,000.
Health and medical administrative services presents the weakest financial case. Earning just $27,907 annually makes the high tuition difficult to justify, even with lower debt loads. You face significant financial risk if you struggle to complete your program, as the 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without credentials.
This school works financially if you can secure dental or allied health positions in the competitive San Jose healthcare market and complete your program on schedule. The location provides access to numerous healthcare employers, but you compete with graduates from less expensive community colleges for similar positions.
Skip Carrington if you qualify for similar programs at San Jose City College or other public institutions. The private school premium rarely pays off unless you need the flexible scheduling or accelerated timeline that for-profit schools typically offer. You also face limited financial aid options, with less than half of students receiving assistance and no significant merit scholarship programs to offset the high costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrington College-San Jose worth the cost?
With earnings of $39,633 ten years after graduation and a net price of $31,043 per year, the return on investment is modest at best. Only 56% of students graduate, which increases the financial risk for those who don't complete their programs.
Which programs at Carrington College-San Jose have the best ROI?
Dental Support Services leads with $60,264 in median earnings, followed by Allied Health Diagnostic programs at $48,667. Health and Medical Administrative Services pays significantly less at $27,907, making it a weaker choice financially.
How much debt do Carrington College-San Jose graduates typically have?
The median debt load is relatively low at $11,537, which helps offset the modest earning potential. This lower debt burden makes the programs more manageable than many other private colleges.
What are the biggest financial risks of attending Carrington College-San Jose?
The 44% non-completion rate is the primary concern, as students who don't graduate still face debt without the credential. The modest earnings potential also means it takes longer to see a strong return on the investment.