At $11,245/yr net price, Los Angeles Harbor College graduates earn $41,133/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,133/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,245 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,980 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,133/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,133/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,367/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,267/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,940/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,961/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,591/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $71,957 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $11,234 |
The Risk Factor
35.9% of students at Los Angeles Harbor 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 Harbor College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as a clear winner, with graduates earning $71,957 annually - nearly double the school's overall median of $41,133. This makes the nursing track one of the better community college investments in the region, especially given the high demand for healthcare workers in Los Angeles.
However, the liberal arts program tells a different story. With median earnings of just $11,234, graduates in this track face serious financial challenges that make the $11,245 annual net price difficult to justify on purely economic grounds. The 35.9% graduation rate compounds this risk, meaning you face significant odds of leaving without completing your credential.
The school works best for students with clear career goals in high-demand fields like nursing or those using Harbor College as a stepping stone to four-year institutions. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid (22.8%) suggests limited financial assistance compared to other community colleges, so you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket.
Harbor College makes financial sense if you can secure admission to the competitive nursing program or plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree. For students considering liberal arts or uncertain about their path, the combination of low completion rates and poor earnings outcomes in general studies creates substantial financial risk. The school's location in Wilmington provides access to Port of Los Angeles jobs, but you need specific training to capitalize on these opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles Harbor College worth the cost compared to other options?
Los Angeles Harbor College has a relatively low net price at $11,245 per year, but graduates earn only $41,133 ten years after enrollment. The low graduation rate of 36% means many students don't complete their programs, making the investment risky for those who don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Los Angeles Harbor College?
Nursing programs at Los Angeles Harbor College lead to strong earnings of around $72,000 annually. Liberal Arts and General Studies graduates earn significantly less at about $11,200, well below the poverty line for many areas.
How much student debt do Los Angeles Harbor College graduates typically have?
As a community college, Los Angeles Harbor College costs less than four-year schools, with a net price of $11,245 annually. Students who complete associate degrees in two years face lower debt burdens than university graduates, though many take longer to finish.
Does financial aid make Los Angeles Harbor College affordable for low-income students?
The $11,245 net price at Los Angeles Harbor College already reflects financial aid for the average student. Community colleges typically offer substantial aid through Pell Grants and state programs, making them accessible for students with limited financial resources.