At $49,781/yr net price, Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield graduates earn $41,472/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,472/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $49,781 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $199,124 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,472/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,472/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 26.6 years |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $49,199/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $49,776/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $50,162/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $50,614/yr |
| $110,001+ | $51,088/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $20,461 | $9,319 |
Analysis
The financial math here does not work. Your net price runs about $49,781 a year at a two-year school, and the median graduate earns $41,472 a decade out. You are paying roughly a year's post-graduation salary for each year of attendance, and the school's own program data shows worse. The only program listed, the Allied Health and Medical Assisting certificate, produces median earnings of $20,461 a year. That is below what a full-time minimum-wage job in California pays. You would carry around $9,300 in debt for a credential that leaves you earning near the poverty line.
There is no bright spot to point you toward. The medical assisting certificate is the sole program with reported outcomes, and its numbers are the weakest part of the picture. If you want a career in allied health in the Bakersfield area, Bakersfield College and other community colleges offer medical assisting and nursing pathways at a fraction of this cost, which changes your return entirely.
The specific risk here is the price. At about $50,000 a year, this is one of the most expensive ways to earn a short-term health certificate anywhere. The median debt of $9,500 understates your true exposure, since the net price reflects what families actually pay after aid.
The income tiers make the problem plain: your net price barely moves whether your family earns under $30,000 or over $110,000. Low-income families pay $49,199, high-income families pay $51,088. There is no meaningful discount for having less money.
This school is a poor financial fit at every income level. Before enrolling, price the same medical assisting program at a local community college and compare the total cost against the same $20,461 earnings outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield worth the cost?
With graduates earning $41,472 ten years after enrollment and annual costs of $49,781, this school shows poor return on investment. Most students will struggle to justify the high tuition relative to earning potential.
What is the best paying program at Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services is the top program, but graduates in this field earn only $20,461 annually. This low salary makes it difficult to pay back educational costs quickly.
How much student debt do Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield graduates have?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively manageable compared to the school's high annual costs. However, the low graduate earnings still make debt repayment challenging.
Should I attend Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield for healthcare training?
Healthcare graduates from this school earn significantly below market rates at $20,461 annually. You can likely find better ROI at community colleges or other career training programs in the area.