At $27,789/yr net price, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science graduates earn $83,438/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $49,438/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,789 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $111,156 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $83,438/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$49,438/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,176/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,714/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,238/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. | Certificate | $122,038 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $112,296 | $94,100 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $72,022 | $24,750 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Certificate | $69,338 | $12,500 |
| Public Health. | Master | $61,516 | $82,899 |
The Risk Factor
50.0% of students at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science 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
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science posts a strong earnings figure with unusually low debt, a combination that puts your financial return in solid territory. Median debt sits at $18,750, well below what many private nonprofits saddle you with, and the median earnings ten years out clear $83,000. Borrow little, earn well , that math works in your favor.
The catch is graduation. Half of students finish. If you leave without a degree, you keep the debt and lose the earnings payoff that makes this school worth it. The 78.57% retention rate says most first-year students come back, so the drop-off happens later. Your ability to finish is the single biggest variable in whether this pays off for you.
The net price tiers are the other risk. If your family earns under $30k, you pay more ($30,176) than families in the $30-48k range ($25,714). That inverted pricing means the lowest-income students carry the heaviest cost here. If money is tight, run your actual aid offer before committing, because the sticker sorting does not reward you for having less.
This school fits you if you are aiming at health-related work in the Los Angeles market and you are confident you will finish. The low debt gives you room to breathe after graduation, and the earnings back it up. Look elsewhere if you are unsure about completing a degree or if your family income falls at the bottom tier and the aid package does not close the gap. At those prices, an unfinished degree is the worst outcome this data points to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science worth the cost?
Charles R Drew University can be worth it for nursing students, who earn around $112,000-$122,000 ten years after graduation. However, the 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, making it risky for those who might not complete their degree.
What programs at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science have the best ROI?
Nursing programs offer the strongest returns at Charles R Drew, with graduates earning $112,000-$122,000 annually. Public health graduates earn significantly less at $61,516, making nursing the clear financial winner.
How much debt do Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science graduates have?
The median debt at Charles R Drew is relatively low at $18,750, which is manageable given nursing graduates' earning potential. This lower debt load helps improve the overall return on investment for successful graduates.
What are the risks of attending Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science?
The biggest risk is the 50% graduation rate, meaning many students pay tuition but never finish their degree. While the net price of $27,789 is reasonable, students who don't graduate face debt without the corresponding earning boost.