At $7,532/yr net price, Los Angeles City College graduates earn $36,190/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,190/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,532 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,190/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,190/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,229/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,258/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,294/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,219/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $69,732 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $42,682 |
The Risk Factor
24.0% of students at Los Angeles City College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Los Angeles City College delivers weak financial returns with a median income of just $36,190 ten years after enrollment and an abysmal 24% graduation rate. Your chances of completing a program here are roughly one in four, making this a high-risk investment despite the low $7,532 annual cost.
Allied Health programs stand out as the clear financial winner, generating $69,732 in median earnings that justify the investment. Liberal Arts graduates earn $42,682, which provides a modest return given the low program costs. However, most other programs likely produce earnings well below the school median, putting graduates in a financially precarious position.
The biggest risk at LACC is the catastrophic graduation rate. Three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, meaning you face significant odds of paying tuition and accumulating debt with no credential to show for it. The low median debt of $12,750 reflects both the affordable tuition and the reality that many students drop out before borrowing heavily.
This school makes financial sense only if you enroll in Allied Health programs with clear career pathways or use LACC as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university. Students seeking general education or exploring career options should consider alternatives with higher completion rates. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests limited institutional support for struggling students.
LACC works best for local students who can live at home and have specific career goals in healthcare fields. Anyone without a clear program focus or transfer plan should look elsewhere given the school's track record of leaving students without degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles City College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Los Angeles City College offers a low net price of $7,532 per year, but graduates earn only $36,190 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The low cost helps offset the modest earnings, making it a reasonable choice for students seeking affordable education without major debt.
What programs at Los Angeles City College have the best ROI?
Allied Health programs at Los Angeles City College show the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $69,732 annually. Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $42,682, making program choice critical for financial outcomes.
How likely am I to graduate from Los Angeles City College?
Los Angeles City College has a 24% graduation rate, which means most students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that prospective students should consider when evaluating the school's value.
How much debt do Los Angeles City College students typically have?
The median debt for Los Angeles City College graduates is $12,750, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. Given the low earnings potential for most programs, keeping debt minimal is important for making the investment worthwhile.