Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,090/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,090/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,000 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $41,025 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $40,368 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $36,398 | $13,326 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $35,060 | $19,065 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $31,305 | $11,819 |
The Risk Factor
64.7% of students at Empire College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Empire College delivers weak financial returns that fall well below what you need to justify college costs. With median earnings of $43,090 ten years after graduation, graduates barely clear the threshold for sustainable debt repayment.
Computer and Information Sciences offers the only program worth considering financially, with graduates earning $43,798 annually. Business Operations Support provides marginal returns at $41,025, while Legal Support Services barely breaks even at $40,368. The Allied Health programs present the worst value proposition, with graduates earning just $35,060 to $36,398 while carrying debt loads up to $19,065.
The 64.7% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. More than one in three students leave without completing their program, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This dropout rate is particularly problematic at a for-profit institution where transfer credits rarely move to other schools.
Empire College works only for students who can complete the Computer Science program with minimal borrowing and have strong connections to local employers in Sonoma County. The regional job market limits opportunities, especially for graduates in the lower-paying programs.
You should look elsewhere if you need to borrow more than $15,000 total, lack clear employment prospects in the area, or want career flexibility. The school's for-profit structure typically means higher costs per credit and fewer financial aid options than public alternatives. Community colleges in the region offer similar programs with better cost structures and stronger transfer pathways to four-year universities.
The low median debt of $13,000 suggests either strong financial aid or students who pay mostly out of pocket, but the earnings data shows this investment rarely pays off financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Empire College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Empire College graduates earn $43,090 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. The relatively low median debt of $13,000 helps offset the modest earnings, but the return on investment remains limited compared to four-year universities.
What are the highest paying programs at Empire College?
Computer and Information Sciences graduates from Empire College earn the highest salaries at $43,798 annually. Business Operations Support follows at $41,025, while Allied Health and Medical Assisting programs typically pay $35,000-$36,000.
How much debt do Empire College students typically graduate with?
Empire College students graduate with a median debt of $13,000, which is significantly lower than the national average. This manageable debt load makes the school more financially accessible despite modest post-graduation earnings.
Does Empire College have good graduation rates?
Empire College has a 64.7% graduation rate, which is reasonable for a career-focused institution. However, students should carefully consider program costs against expected earnings, as most graduates earn below $45,000 annually.