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's numbers point to a modest but manageable financial return. Median debt sits at $13,000 , low enough that you're unlikely to graduate deep in the hole, but median earnings ten years out land at $43,090, which is well below what four-year degrees typically return. That gap defines the school: you won't borrow much, but you shouldn't expect the paycheck to climb far either.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is the bright spot here. Owing $13,000 against a $43,090 income is a payoff you can realistically handle, and it puts Empire in better shape than schools where students borrow two or three times as much for similar earnings. If your alternative is a program that leaves you $40,000 in debt for the same salary, Empire's lower cost is the safer bet.
The 64.7% graduation rate is the risk to weigh. Roughly one in three of you won't finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, the math turns against you fast , you'd carry the loan without the earnings the degree is supposed to bring. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you can complete the program.
Empire fits you if you want a specific, career-focused credential without taking on heavy debt, and you're confident you'll finish. Santa Rosa and the surrounding North Bay job market will shape what that $43,090 median actually looks like for your field. Look elsewhere if you're aiming for a high-earning career that depends on where you graduate from, since these earnings won't justify a premium price.
I couldn't find program-by-program salary data or net price tiers by income in what you gave me, so I can't tell you which specific majors pay off or what families at different income levels actually pay. Share those tables and I'll fill in that section.
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.