At $33,294/yr net price, DeVry University-California graduates earn $45,987/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,987/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,294 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $133,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,987/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,987/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,807 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $32,140/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,380/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,875/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $39,108/yr |
| $110,001+ | $38,099/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Certificate | $69,338 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $66,885 | $46,275 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Master | $66,592 | $38,939 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,686 | $44,529 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Certificate | $62,012 | $30,617 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $61,702 | $43,028 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $59,350 | $46,692 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,714 | $39,978 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $57,499 | $49,107 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Certificate | $54,696 | $42,015 |
The Risk Factor
42.9% of students at DeVry University-California 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
DeVry University-California delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $46,000 ten years after graduation despite an annual net price of $33,294. The school's 43% graduation rate means more than half of students leave without completing their degree.
Management Information Systems programs offer the strongest earnings potential at around $66,000-69,000 annually, though you'll carry substantial debt loads of $46,000 or more. Computer networking programs provide decent returns with median salaries in the $62,000-66,000 range. Business administration graduates earn about $65,000 but face over $44,000 in debt. Other programs at DeVry California show significantly weaker earning prospects.
The school's low retention rate of 72% signals academic support challenges, creating financial risk if you struggle to complete your degree. As a for-profit institution, DeVry California offers limited merit aid opportunities compared to traditional colleges.
This school makes financial sense only if you're specifically targeting high-earning technology programs like MIS or networking, have strong study habits to overcome retention challenges, and need the flexibility of DeVry's adult-focused scheduling. Students interested in general business degrees or uncertain about their major should look elsewhere for better value. Traditional community colleges followed by four-year transfers typically offer superior ROI for similar career outcomes in California's competitive job market.
With over half of students receiving financial aid, explore all federal grant options before considering private loans to minimize your debt burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DeVry University-California worth the cost?
With a net price of $33,294 annually and median 10-year earnings of $45,987, DeVry California delivers weak ROI for most students. The 43% graduation rate means many students pay without finishing their degree.
What are the best paying programs at DeVry University-California?
Management Information Systems graduates earn around $66,000-$69,000 annually, making it the strongest program financially. Computer networking and business administration programs also show decent earning potential in the $60,000+ range.
How much debt do DeVry University-California students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $24,807, which is manageable compared to the high annual costs. However, with starting salaries around $46,000, loan payments will still strain most graduates' budgets.
Why is DeVry University-California's graduation rate so low?
Only 43% of students graduate, likely due to the high costs and academic challenges. This means over half of students who enroll end up with debt but no degree to show for it.