At $10,658/yr net price, Los Angeles Trade Technical College graduates earn $35,233/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,233/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,658 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,632 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,233/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,233/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 34.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,048/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,878/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,375/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,935/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,516/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 | $84,653 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $19,045 |
The Risk Factor
27.0% of students at Los Angeles Trade Technical 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 Trade Technical College delivers strong returns for specific technical programs but poor outcomes for most students. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $84,653 annually, making it one of the highest-paying two-year programs in California. Electrical and power transmission training also pays off well at $41,937, reflecting strong demand for skilled trades in the Los Angeles market.
The financial picture turns concerning outside these top programs. Environmental control technology graduates earn just $21,508, barely above minimum wage for full-time work, while culinary arts majors face particularly poor prospects at $19,045 annually. With a net price of $10,658 per year, these lower-paying programs offer questionable value.
The 27% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Most students who enroll never complete their programs, meaning they accumulate costs and debt without earning credentials. This makes program selection critical at LATTC.
You should consider LATTC if you can secure admission to nursing or electrical programs and are committed to completing your degree. The school makes financial sense for students seeking direct entry into high-demand technical fields in the LA area. However, you should look elsewhere if you're interested in culinary arts, environmental technology, or if you're uncertain about finishing your program.
Financial aid reaches only 31% of students, limiting support options. Focus your decision on whether you can access and complete one of the high-paying programs, as most other pathways at LATTC lead to earnings that barely justify the cost and time investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles Trade Technical College worth the money?
The value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $84,653 annually, making the $10,658 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs like culinary arts lead to much lower earnings of $19,045.
What is the graduation rate at Los Angeles Trade Technical College?
Only 27% of students graduate, which is significantly below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students end up with debt but no credential.
How much debt do Los Angeles Trade Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $10,500, which is manageable for nursing graduates but could be problematic for those in lower-paying programs. The relatively low cost helps keep debt levels reasonable compared to four-year schools.
Which programs at Los Angeles Trade Technical College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs offer the strongest return with graduates earning over $84,000 annually. Electrical and power transmission installer programs also provide decent earnings at nearly $42,000, while culinary and environmental tech programs show weaker financial outcomes.