At $43,043/yr net price, North-West College-San Diego graduates earn $41,472/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,472/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $43,043 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $172,172 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,472/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,472/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 23 years |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $42,677/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $42,737/yr |
| $110,001+ | $45,854/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $41,193 | $14,845 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $23,166 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $20,461 |
Analysis
North-West College-San Diego delivers poor financial returns that rarely justify its high costs. With a net price of over $43,000 annually and median post-graduation earnings of just $41,472, you face negative return on investment in most scenarios.
The nursing program offers your best shot at reasonable earnings at $41,193 annually, though even this comes with $14,845 in debt and barely covers the school's annual costs. Medical administrative services and allied health programs produce particularly weak outcomes, with graduates earning in the low $20,000s while carrying similar debt loads.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the school's for-profit structure combined with limited program diversity. Nearly all career paths lead to healthcare support roles with modest pay ceilings, yet you pay premium tuition rates. The regional job market in San Diego offers healthcare opportunities, but entry-level positions typically don't command salaries that justify this investment.
This school makes financial sense only if you need flexible scheduling for nursing certification and have exhausted community college options. Community colleges in San Diego offer similar nursing programs at a fraction of the cost. You should look elsewhere if you want strong earning potential or have access to more affordable training alternatives.
With less than half of students receiving financial aid, expect to cover most costs out-of-pocket or through loans. The school's merit scholarship opportunities appear limited given the aid statistics. Your most viable cost strategy involves completing prerequisites at community college before transferring in for clinical requirements only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North-West College-San Diego worth the cost?
With a net price of $43,043 per year and 10-year earnings of $41,472, graduates typically earn less than what they paid annually for their education. The return on investment is poor compared to most colleges.
What are the best paying programs at North-West College-San Diego?
Practical Nursing offers the highest earnings at $41,193 annually, while Health and Medical Administrative Services pays $23,166 and Allied Health programs pay around $20,461. Even the top program barely covers the annual cost of attendance.
How much debt do North-West College-San Diego students typically have?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to the high annual costs. However, with low post-graduation earnings, even this modest debt burden may be difficult to manage.
Should I attend North-West College-San Diego for healthcare programs?
The practical nursing program is the only one that approaches covering annual costs, but still falls short. Consider community colleges or state schools that offer similar healthcare training at much lower costs.