At $31,626/yr net price, National Polytechnic College graduates earn $30,781/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,626 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $126,504 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,781/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,219/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,098 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,067/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $32,812/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,812/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $40,467 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $28,598 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $28,357 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
72.7% of students at National Polytechnic College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
National Polytechnic College delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the high costs. With median 10-year earnings of $30,781 against an annual net price of $31,626, you're paying nearly as much each year as you'll earn annually after graduation.
The Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science program offers the only reasonable pathway to financial recovery, with graduates earning $40,467 annually. This creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio if you complete the program successfully. The nursing program falls short at $28,598 in median earnings, barely covering your annual tuition costs. Allied health programs perform even worse, with medical assisting graduates earning just $20,140 annually while carrying similar debt loads.
Your biggest financial risk is the 27% dropout rate combined with the high annual costs. If you don't complete your program, you'll face loan payments without the credential needed to access higher-paying healthcare positions. The for-profit structure means limited financial aid options and fewer merit scholarships compared to community colleges offering similar programs.
This school makes financial sense only if you're targeting the lab science program and have exhausted community college options in your area. For nursing or allied health careers, California community colleges offer equivalent training at a fraction of the cost. Medical assisting programs here are financially devastating given the low earning potential.
If you're considering National Polytechnic College, compare total program costs against nearby community college alternatives. The premium you pay here rarely translates to better job placement or significantly higher earnings in the competitive Southern California healthcare market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National Polytechnic College worth the cost?
National Polytechnic College has poor financial returns, with graduates earning just $30,781 ten years after enrollment while paying $31,626 annually. Only students in clinical lab science programs see decent earnings at $40,467, making this school a risky investment for most majors.
What is the job market like for National Polytechnic College graduates?
Graduates struggle in the job market, earning less than the annual tuition cost even a decade later. The 72.7% graduation rate is decent, but low post-graduation earnings suggest limited career advancement opportunities for most programs.
How much debt do National Polytechnic College students graduate with?
Students graduate with a median debt of $16,098, which is relatively manageable compared to the school's high annual costs. However, the low earning potential makes even this modest debt burden concerning for repayment.
Which National Polytechnic College programs have the best ROI?
Clinical and medical laboratory science offers the only strong ROI at $40,467 in earnings. Nursing programs pay $28,598 while medical assisting services pay just $20,140, both well below the annual tuition cost.