Laurus College: 794 Students

794Students

39%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$30,896Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Laurus College

Laurus College serves 794 students in the small city of San Luis Obispo, focusing on career-ready programs in technology and healthcare. The school draws heavily from California, with 78% of students coming from in-state. This for-profit institution targets students looking for hands-on training rather than traditional liberal arts education. The student body is mostly male (76%) and diverse, with Asian students making up 48% of enrollment and Hispanic students representing 19%.

Students pay an average of $15,693 per year after financial aid, with 67% receiving some form of assistance. However, the financial picture becomes concerning when you look at outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $30,896 ten years after starting college, while carrying $32,416 in debt. That translates to monthly loan payments of $344. Only 29% of borrowers are successfully paying down their loans, which suggests many graduates struggle to manage their debt load relative to their earnings.

The school maintains a strong 92% retention rate, meaning most students who start here stay for their second year. However, only 39% graduate within six years, which is low even for career-focused schools. The 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for smaller classes, but the employment rate of 83% shows that while most graduates find work, their earning potential may not justify the debt burden.

Academics & Faculty

Laurus College focuses on career training programs, particularly in technology and healthcare fields that appeal to its heavily male student body (76% men). The school operates with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, which provides decent access to instructors for hands-on learning in technical programs. However, the 43% four-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete their degrees, often because they're balancing work and school or switching between programs. With 48% of students being Asian American, the college has built a reputation in California's diverse communities for practical, job-focused education rather than traditional liberal arts. The 93% retention rate shows students generally stick with their programs once they start.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 70.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 42.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.5%
Retention Rate: 92.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $30,896

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$32,569
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Associate	$32,382
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$26,933
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$21,052

View all 16 programs →

Campus Life

Laurus College sits in San Luis Obispo, a college town about 200 miles north of Los Angeles and 230 miles south of San Francisco. The Central Coast location means mild weather year-round with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees or climbing above 85 degrees. You'll need a light jacket for evenings, but heavy winter coats aren't necessary.

The school serves 794 students with a heavily male student body (76% men). This reflects the college's focus on technical and career programs that traditionally attract more men. With 48% Asian students and strong diversity overall, the campus brings together students from different backgrounds, though 78% come from within California. The small size means you'll recognize faces quickly, and the 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention from instructors.

San Luis Obispo offers the typical college town experience with restaurants, coffee shops, and outdoor activities nearby. Students can reach the beach in 15 minutes or explore hiking trails in the surrounding hills. The Central Coast location provides access to both nature and urban areas when you need a change of pace.

Setting: City-Small

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–63°F
July Avg: 54°–77°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Laurus College draws heavily from California, with nearly 8 out of 10 students staying in-state for their education. The school serves a working-class population, as two-thirds of students qualify for Pell Grants based on family income. Men outnumber women by more than three to one, reflecting the school's focus on technical and trade programs that traditionally attract male students. The student body is remarkably diverse, with Asian students making up nearly half the enrollment and strong representation from Hispanic and Black communities, creating a multicultural learning environment rare among specialized career colleges.

Men: 76.3%
Women: 23.7%
White: 14.5%
Black: 11.5%
Hispanic: 19.1%
Asian: 48.4%
In-State Students: 78.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 67.4%

Location

Laurus College sits in San Luis Obispo, California, a college town about 200 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 230 miles south of San Francisco. San Luis Obispo lies in California's Central Coast region, known for rolling hills, vineyards, and proximity to both mountains and beaches. The city has about 47,000 residents and revolves around Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, giving it a distinctly collegiate atmosphere with coffee shops, bike paths, and outdoor recreation opportunities. With 78% of Laurus students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with California's Central Coast lifestyle. The Pacific Ocean sits just 12 miles west, while hiking trails and wine country surround the area. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Laurus College with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Luis Obispo, California 93401

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $30,896
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,525
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 29.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $344/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $32,416

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition like at Laurus College?

Laurus College enrolls 794 students with a heavily male-dominated population at 76% men and 24% women. The school serves a diverse student body with 48% Asian students, 19% Hispanic students, and significant representation from other ethnic groups, reflecting California's multicultural demographics.

How much does Laurus College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,693 annually, with 67% receiving financial aid. The school keeps costs relatively consistent across income levels, charging families earning under $30K about $15,629 and those earning $30-48K around $15,916.

What are the graduation rates at Laurus College?

Only 39% of students graduate within six years, while 42% finish in four years. The college maintains a strong 92% retention rate from first to second year, suggesting students stay engaged despite the challenging path to graduation at this technical-focused institution.

How much do Laurus College graduates typically earn?

Graduates earn a median of $30,896 ten years after enrollment, with early career earnings around $33,024 one year post-graduation. However, graduates carry significant debt with a median of $32,416 and monthly loan payments of $344.

What is the academic environment like at Laurus College?

Classes maintain an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing more personalized attention than large universities. The college focuses on hands-on technical training in the heart of San Luis Obispo, preparing students for careers in specialized fields.

Does Laurus College provide good job placement for graduates?

The college achieves an 83% employment rate for graduates, demonstrating strong industry connections. However, the 29% loan repayment rate indicates many graduates struggle financially despite finding work, reflecting the challenge of balancing debt loads with entry-level technical salaries.