At $10,200/yr net price, Los Angeles Valley College graduates earn $42,678/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,678/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,200 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,678/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,678/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.2% |
| 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 | $9,486/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,140/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,038/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,791/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,650/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $60,839 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 |
The Risk Factor
41.2% of students at Los Angeles Valley 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 Valley College offers solid financial returns for students who complete the right programs, though your success depends heavily on choosing healthcare fields over general education pathways.
The nursing program stands out as the strongest financial bet, with graduates earning $57,318 annually. Allied health diagnostic programs perform even better at $60,839, making these career-focused tracks worthwhile investments despite the $10,200 annual cost. These healthcare programs tap into Los Angeles's massive medical sector, where demand consistently outpaces supply.
Your biggest financial risk at Valley College is the 41% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you're left with debt and no credential. The relatively low median debt of $10,500 limits your downside risk compared to four-year schools, but incomplete programs still waste time and money.
This school works best if you're targeting specific healthcare careers or using it as an affordable stepping stone to transfer. The low net price makes it accessible for students who qualify for California's generous community college aid programs. You'll find the strongest value proposition if you're already working in healthcare and need credentials to advance, or if you're certain about pursuing nursing or medical technology.
Skip Valley College if you're undecided about your career path or considering liberal arts transfer programs without clear four-year completion plans. The graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, so you need strong academic discipline and clear goals to succeed here financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles Valley College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Los Angeles Valley College offers strong value with a low net price of $10,200 per year and graduates earning $42,678 after 10 years. The school's allied health and nursing programs produce significantly higher earnings of $57,000-$61,000, making it worthwhile for students in these fields.
What are the best paying programs at Los Angeles Valley College?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead with median earnings of $60,839, followed by registered nursing at $57,318. These programs offer strong returns on investment compared to the school's overall graduate earnings of $42,678.
How much debt do Los Angeles Valley College students typically graduate with?
Students graduate with a median debt of $10,500, which is manageable given the low annual cost. However, the 41% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Does Los Angeles Valley College have good job placement after graduation?
The school's 41% graduation rate is concerning and suggests completion challenges. Students who do graduate, especially from health programs, see decent earnings that justify the investment.