At $11,196/yr net price, Los Angeles Pierce College graduates earn $44,521/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,521/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,196 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,784 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,521/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,521/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,936 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,111/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,990/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,228/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,592/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,145/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,315 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $14,627 |
The Risk Factor
41.4% of students at Los Angeles Pierce College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Los Angeles Pierce College gives you a moderate financial picture with one clear warning: the earnings data here comes almost entirely from transfer-track programs, not job-ready credentials. Ten years out, the typical graduate earns around $44,500. That's a decent number for a two-year school, but it likely reflects people who went on to a four-year degree, since the two programs with reported earnings are both Liberal Arts and Sciences tracks meant for transfer.
Those Liberal Arts numbers ($18,315 for the associate, $14,627 for the certificate) are terminal-credential earnings, and they're low. If you stop at Pierce with a general studies associate, you are not walking into a strong wage. The value here depends on you moving on to a bachelor's, likely at a Cal State or UC campus within commuting distance in the LA area.
The debt side works in your favor. Median debt sits under $13,000, and net price runs a little over $11,000 a year, so you're not taking on a heavy load to attend. That keeps the downside contained even if your earnings land on the lower end.
The net price tiers hold a surprise: families earning under $30,000 pay less than families over $110,000, but the gap is small, and the jump happens above $48,000. If your family earns $48,000 to $75,000, you pay roughly $14,000 a year, close to the top-income rate. Grant support thins out fast past the lowest bracket.
Pierce fits you if you plan to transfer and use the low cost as a cheap first two years. If you want to finish here and go straight to work, the reported program earnings don't support that plan, and you should look at schools with career-focused credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles Pierce College worth the cost?
Los Angeles Pierce College offers decent value with a low net price of $11,196 per year and relatively low debt of $12,936. However, the 41% graduation rate and modest median earnings of $44,521 after 10 years suggest mixed returns on investment.
What programs at Los Angeles Pierce College have the best ROI?
The Liberal Arts and Sciences programs at Los Angeles Pierce College lead to starting salaries around $14,627-$18,315, which is relatively low. Community college programs typically serve as stepping stones to four-year degrees rather than direct career preparation.
How much debt will I have after Los Angeles Pierce College?
Students at Los Angeles Pierce College graduate with a median debt of $12,936, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. The low cost structure makes this a financially safer option for students unsure about their career path.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Los Angeles Pierce College?
Los Angeles Pierce College graduates earn a median of $44,521 ten years after enrollment. The 41% graduation rate indicates many students either transfer to four-year schools or leave without completing their program.