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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans weak, with one clear exception. The median earnings ten years out sit at $32,172, barely above what many workers earn without any college. Pair that with a 33.6% graduation rate, and the odds of finishing and seeing a strong return are not in your favor.
The nursing program is the reason to be here. At $60,722, it nearly triples what the general liberal arts and sciences track returns. If you can get into nursing and finish, this school pays off fast against a $6,683 yearly net price. Southern California hospitals need nurses, and an associate degree in registered nursing is a direct line to that market.
The liberal arts and general studies path is the risk. At $21,781, those earnings sit below the school median, and this is the most common associate degree for people who intend to transfer to a four-year school. If you enroll in general studies and never transfer, you are looking at wages that barely justify the cost.
The net price tiers reward low-income families here. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $5,735, and the price climbs to $11,979 once household income passes $75,000. The gap means this school is built for lower-income local students, and higher earners pay roughly double for the same associate degree.
This is a good fit for you if you are aiming at nursing or another health credential and can commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you want a general studies degree without a firm transfer plan, since the earnings data does not support that route paying off.
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.