At $11,972/yr net price, Los Angeles Mission College graduates earn $39,834/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,834/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,972 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,888 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,834/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,834/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,678 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,171/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,205/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,131/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,156/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,128/yr |
The Risk Factor
30.7% of students at Los Angeles Mission 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 Mission College leaves you with a middling financial return. Median earnings ten years out sit under $40,000, and the 30.7% graduation rate means most students who enroll don't finish. If you leave without a credential, you carry the cost without the payoff.
The debt side is the school's saving grace. A median debt around $12,000 is roughly one year of net price, so you're not walking away with a heavy loan burden. That keeps the risk contained even if your earnings land at the low end.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat this as a stepping stone. The math works if you use LAMC to knock out lower-division credits and transfer into the Cal State or UC system, where your eventual degree drives earnings. It works far less well if this associate degree is your endpoint and you plan to enter the Los Angeles job market at $40,000.
The net price tiers hold a specific warning. You'd expect higher-income families to pay more, but here the $48k-$75k and $75k-$110k brackets pay the most, over $14,000 and $16,000, while families over $110k pay about $12,000. If your household lands in that middle range, you get squeezed hardest and should compare aid packages against other LA-area community colleges before committing.
This school fits you if you're paying in-district prices, transferring out, and keeping debt low. Look elsewhere if you need a two-year credential to earn well fast, or if you're in that middle-income band paying a premium for a program with a below-average completion rate. The low debt protects you, but a 30% graduation rate is the number to take seriously before you enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles Mission College worth the cost?
Los Angeles Mission College offers reasonable value with a net price of $11,972 per year and graduates earning $39,834 after 10 years. However, the 31% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, which significantly reduces ROI for those who don't finish.
What is the return on investment for Los Angeles Mission College?
Graduates earn about $40,000 annually 10 years after enrollment with median debt of $12,678. The low debt burden helps ROI, but the poor graduation rate means many students invest time and money without earning a credential.
Which programs at Los Angeles Mission College have the best job prospects?
Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer the strongest job prospects at community colleges. Trade programs in areas like automotive technology and construction also provide direct paths to employment in the Los Angeles area.
How much student debt do Los Angeles Mission College graduates typically have?
Graduates have a median debt of $12,678, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. Most community college students also receive significant financial aid, keeping actual costs lower than the sticker price.