At $23,693/yr net price, InterCoast Colleges-West Covina graduates earn $36,089/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,089/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,693 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,772 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,089/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,089/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 45.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 81.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,313 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,368/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,123/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,657/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,468/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,201/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $37,291 | $9,500 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $30,583 | $11,469 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $27,126 | $21,697 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $23,974 | $12,959 |
The Risk Factor
81.3% of students at InterCoast Colleges-West Covina graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
InterCoast Colleges-West Covina delivers weak financial returns across most programs, with graduates earning a median of just $36,089 ten years after enrollment despite paying nearly $24,000 annually in net costs.
The HVAC program offers your best shot at a decent return, with graduates earning $37,291 while carrying only $9,500 in debt. This technical field has strong demand in Southern California's growing construction and maintenance sectors. The electrical program trails significantly at $30,583 in earnings but saddles you with higher debt at $11,469, making the payoff timeline longer.
Mental health programs present concerning economics. Despite the region's need for behavioral health services, graduates earn between $24,000 and $27,000 annually. The lower-earning track burdens you with $12,959 in debt, while the higher track requires $21,697 in borrowing for marginal income gains. These debt-to-income ratios make loan repayment challenging.
The school's 81% graduation rate suggests decent program completion, but the earnings data reveals limited career advancement potential. Most graduates will struggle to justify the investment when community colleges offer similar technical training at much lower costs.
InterCoast makes financial sense only if you specifically want HVAC training and value the focused curriculum over cheaper alternatives. Skip this school if you're considering mental health programs or if you have access to public institutions offering electrical training. The debt burden relative to earning potential creates long-term financial stress for most graduates, particularly in California's high-cost environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is InterCoast Colleges-West Covina worth the cost?
The return on investment is mixed at InterCoast Colleges-West Covina. With graduates earning a median of $36,089 after 10 years and paying $23,693 annually, the payback period is reasonable but not exceptional.
What programs at InterCoast Colleges-West Covina have the best job prospects?
HVAC programs offer the strongest earning potential at $37,291 median salary, while electrical installation programs pay around $30,583. Mental health and social services programs have lower earning potential, with salaries ranging from $24,000 to $27,000.
How much student debt do InterCoast Colleges-West Covina graduates typically have?
The median debt load is relatively low at $10,313, which is manageable compared to many other colleges. The 81% graduation rate also reduces the risk of dropping out with debt but no degree.
Does InterCoast Colleges-West Covina provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $23,693 per year, students are likely receiving some financial aid since this represents the actual cost after grants and scholarships. However, this is still a significant expense for the earning potential of most programs offered.