At $6,683/yr net price, Los Angeles Southwest College graduates earn $32,172/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,683 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,732 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,172/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,828/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,735/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,777/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,848/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,979/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 | $60,722 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,781 |
The Risk Factor
33.6% of students at Los Angeles Southwest 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 Southwest College offers a stark financial split between its nursing program and everything else. Your return on investment depends entirely on which path you choose.
The registered nursing program delivers strong financial returns with graduates earning $60,722 annually after completing their studies. At a net cost of $6,683 per year, nursing students can expect to recoup their investment quickly once employed. This program represents the college's primary pathway to financial success.
Every other program presents significant financial challenges. Liberal arts graduates earn just $21,781 annually, creating a difficult path to financial stability even with the school's low costs. The median earnings of $32,172 across all graduates reflects this dramatic program disparity.
The 33.6% graduation rate poses a major financial risk. You face a real possibility of accumulating costs without completing your degree, particularly problematic given that most career benefits require program completion. Only 24.6% of students receive financial aid, meaning you will likely pay the full net price.
Los Angeles Southwest College makes financial sense if you can secure admission to the nursing program and have strong confidence in your ability to complete it. The competitive nature of nursing programs means backup plans typically involve the college's weaker-earning programs.
You should look elsewhere if nursing does not interest you or if you have concerns about completing your studies. The college's other programs do not provide sufficient earning potential to justify even the modest investment, especially in the expensive Los Angeles job market where $21,781 annually creates significant financial hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles Southwest College worth the cost?
The college's low graduation rate of 34% presents significant risk, as most students don't complete their programs. The nursing program offers strong earnings potential at $60,722, but liberal arts graduates earn just $21,781 annually.
What is the return on investment for Los Angeles Southwest College graduates?
Overall graduate earnings of $32,172 after 10 years barely justify the investment for most programs. Only nursing graduates see meaningful returns, while liberal arts students face poor financial outcomes relative to costs.
Which programs at Los Angeles Southwest College have the best job prospects?
The registered nursing program stands out with graduates earning $60,722 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs show weak earning potential at $21,781, well below living wages in Los Angeles.
What are the financial risks of attending Los Angeles Southwest College?
With only 34% of students graduating, there's a high chance of leaving with debt but no degree. Students should have realistic backup plans and strong academic preparation before enrolling.