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 gives you a mixed financial picture that depends almost entirely on which program you pick. The median graduate earns $41,133 a decade out, which sits above what many two-year graduates make but leaves little room for error given a net price that runs above $11,000 a year.
Nursing is where this school pays off. A registered nursing associate degree here leads to earnings near $72,000, more than six times what the general liberal arts associate produces. That gap tells you everything about program choice at Harbor. Nursing demand around the Los Angeles and South Bay hospital network keeps those numbers strong, and the credential is a clear route from associate to a working wage.
The liberal arts and general studies track is the risk. At roughly $11,000 in earnings, that program returns less than a single year of net price, and it only makes sense as a transfer step toward a four-year degree, not as an endpoint. If you stop after the associate, you have paid for a credential that does not cover its own cost.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. Only about a third of students graduate, so the strong nursing outcome assumes you complete a competitive program. If you drop out carrying loans, you get the debt without the payoff.
The net price tiers hold an oddity worth watching. Families earning $75,000 to $110,000 pay the most here, nearly $16,000, more than families earning over $110,000. If you fall in that upper-middle band, budget for the highest cost at this school.
Harbor fits you if you enter with a clear plan to complete nursing or another career associate, or to transfer quickly. If you are undecided and likely to land in general studies, the numbers do not justify the price.
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.