At $17,772/yr net price, National Career College graduates earn $19,347/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,772 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,088 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $19,347/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-14,653/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,645 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,786/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,525/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,509/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,179/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,577/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $25,194 | $8,340 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $24,730 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $22,572 | $8,291 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $20,140 | $9,611 |
The Risk Factor
68.5% of students at National Career College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
National Career College delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment for most students. With median earnings of just $19,347 ten years after graduation against an annual net price of $17,772, you're looking at a degree that barely pays for itself even in the long term.
The health and medical administrative services programs offer your best shot at decent earnings, reaching $25,194 annually, but even these top performers leave you earning less than many high school graduates in California's job market. Allied health and medical assisting follows at $22,572, while dental support services trails at $20,140. All programs carry similar debt loads around $8,000 to $9,600, making the dental program particularly poor value given its lower earnings potential.
The 68.5% graduation rate adds another layer of risk. Nearly one in three students leaves without completing their program, often still carrying debt from their time enrolled. This creates a substantial chance you'll face loan payments without the credential needed to access even these modest salary levels.
This school might work if you're already employed in healthcare and need specific certifications for advancement, or if you have significant financial aid that dramatically reduces your out-of-pocket costs. Otherwise, you're better served exploring community college programs that offer similar training at much lower cost, or looking into direct entry healthcare positions that provide on-the-job training without the upfront educational investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National Career College worth the money?
National Career College's ROI is poor, with graduates earning just $19,347 annually after 10 years while paying $17,772 per year in tuition. Most graduates will struggle to pay back their investment based on these low earnings.
What programs at National Career College have the best job prospects?
Health and Medical Administrative Services programs offer the highest earnings at around $25,000 annually. However, even these top programs produce below-average wages for college graduates.
How much debt do National Career College students typically have?
The median debt is $8,645, which is relatively low compared to other colleges. Still, with average earnings of only $19,347, graduates may find loan payments challenging on such modest salaries.
Does National Career College have good graduation rates?
National Career College has a 68.5% graduation rate, which is decent for a career college. However, the low post-graduation earnings remain the bigger concern for return on investment.