At $26,922/yr net price, Douglas Education Center graduates earn $30,814/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,922 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $107,688 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,814/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,186/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,175/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,790/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,405/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,435/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,867/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services. | Certificate | $35,594 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $19,508 | $12,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $19,227 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Associate | $19,227 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $15,633 | $8,750 |
The Risk Factor
81.7% of students at Douglas Education Center graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Douglas Education Center delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. At $26,922 annually, you're paying premium prices for vocational training that produces widely varying outcomes.
Plumbing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $35,594 in median earnings that can justify the investment. However, the remaining programs paint a concerning picture. Allied health graduates earn just $21,508, while cosmetology, design, and film programs cluster around $19,200 annually. These earnings barely exceed what many high school graduates achieve without additional debt.
Your biggest risk lies in program selection. Choosing cosmetology or creative arts programs means you'll likely struggle to service debt while building financial stability. The $12,000 median debt load appears manageable, but becomes problematic when paired with sub-$20,000 salaries in most fields.
The school works financially if you're pursuing plumbing and can handle the intensive technical training. The 81.70% graduation rate suggests most students complete their programs, which matters for employment prospects. However, you should avoid Douglas Education Center if you're considering cosmetology, design, or film programs unless you have clear alternative income sources or family financial support.
With nearly half of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities exist but won't fundamentally change the economics. Your regional job market in southwestern Pennsylvania offers limited high-paying opportunities outside skilled trades, making program choice even more critical. Consider community college alternatives for similar training at lower costs, particularly for programs with weak earnings potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Douglas Education Center worth the cost?
Douglas Education Center's graduates earn $30,814 ten years after graduation, which is low compared to the $26,922 annual cost. The plumbing program shows better returns at $35,594, but most other programs lead to earnings below $22,000.
What is the ROI for Douglas Education Center programs?
Only the plumbing program at Douglas Education Center offers solid ROI with graduates earning $35,594. Programs in cosmetology, design, and film lead to earnings around $19,000, making them poor investments given the school's cost.
How much debt do Douglas Education Center graduates have?
Douglas Education Center graduates have a median debt of $12,000, which is relatively manageable. However, with most programs leading to earnings below $22,000, even this modest debt load can be challenging to repay.
Should I attend Douglas Education Center for cosmetology?
Douglas Education Center's cosmetology graduates earn just $19,508 after ten years, which makes the program's cost difficult to justify. You'll likely find better ROI at community colleges offering similar training at lower prices.