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 gives you a low-cost entry into healthcare careers, and the debt you take on is small enough that the math works out for most people who finish. You borrow roughly a quarter of what you'd earn in a single year after graduating, which keeps repayment manageable even at the school's median earnings level.
The clear winners here are healthcare programs. The allied health diagnostic and treatment associate degree and the registered nursing associate degree both pay well above the school's median earnings, and they feed directly into Los Angeles-area hospitals and clinics that hire year-round. If your goal is a nursing or allied health credential, this is a strong financial bet.
The catch is the graduation rate. Fewer than half of students finish, and your low debt only pays off if you actually complete a credential. If you enroll, drop out, and leave with loans but no degree, you get the worst outcome the numbers allow. Treat finishing as the whole point.
The other risk is the school's median earnings, which reflect a mix of programs, not the healthcare tracks. If you pursue a general transfer or a program without a listed salary, you have no data promising a strong return, and you should plan to transfer to a four-year school before your earnings potential kicks in.
On price, the middle-income tiers pay the most. If your family earns between $48k and $110k, you'll pay more per year than families earning under $30k or over $110k. Lower-income families get the best deal here, so if money is tight, the cost is designed to work for you.
This school fits you if you want a healthcare credential or a cheap transfer launch. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's-level program on campus with proven earnings.
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.