At $5,170/yr net price, El Camino Community College District graduates earn $41,589/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,589/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,170 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,589/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,589/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,379/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,632/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,461/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,809/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,042/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 | $63,005 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $54,661 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $31,423 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,281 |
The Risk Factor
36.7% of students at El Camino Community College District graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
El Camino Community College District delivers solid financial returns for career-focused programs but weaker outcomes for general studies. At $5,170 annually, the school costs less than most alternatives while positioning you for middle-class earnings in the competitive Los Angeles job market.
Nursing graduates earn $63,005 within ten years, making this program the clear financial winner. Allied health fields follow at $54,661, reflecting strong demand for healthcare workers across Southern California. Both programs justify their investment quickly given the low tuition costs.
Liberal arts graduates face tougher financial prospects at $31,423 in median earnings. Business administration and criminal justice programs show disappointing returns below $30,000, particularly weak given the high cost of living in the Torrance area. You should consider these programs only if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution.
The 36.7% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Two-thirds of students never complete their programs, losing time and money without credentials. The low percentage receiving financial aid suggests many students pay out-of-pocket, though this also means fewer students carry debt.
El Camino works best if you want nursing or allied health training without the expense of a four-year degree. The school makes less sense for business or liberal arts unless you use it as a transfer pathway. Given the modest costs, you can afford to test your commitment to a healthcare career without major financial consequences.
Focus on programs with clear job market demand in Los Angeles County. The healthcare programs offer your best shot at financial success, while general education courses serve primarily as affordable stepping stones to university transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Camino Community College District worth the cost?
With a net price of $5,170 per year and graduates earning $41,589 after 10 years, El Camino offers decent value for the low cost. However, the 37% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at El Camino Community College District?
Nursing programs at El Camino lead to the strongest earnings at $63,005 annually, followed by allied health fields at $54,661. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $31,423, while criminal justice majors average just $25,281.
How much debt do El Camino Community College District graduates have?
As a community college, El Camino has very low costs at $5,170 per year, meaning most students graduate with minimal debt. The bigger risk is not graduating at all, which affects nearly two-thirds of students.
Should I attend El Camino Community College District for liberal arts?
Liberal arts graduates from El Camino earn $31,423 after 10 years, which is low even for community college standards. Consider focusing on nursing or allied health programs instead, which offer much better earning potential.