Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,414 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $137,656 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $34,021/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,131/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,832/yr |
The Risk Factor
76.5% of students at Sacramento Ultrasound Institute graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Sacramento Ultrasound Institute delivers strong financial returns for the right student, with graduates entering a stable healthcare field that pays well in California's expensive job market. Your $34,414 annual investment leads to median debt of just $17,000, indicating most students complete the program quickly and avoid excessive borrowing.
The 76.5% graduation rate shows most students who enroll actually finish, which matters when you're paying private school prices for vocational training. Medical sonographers in the Sacramento metro area earn median salaries around $85,000-$95,000, making the debt-to-income ratio favorable compared to many other career programs.
The biggest financial risk is California's high cost of living eating into your post-graduation income gains. You'll also face limited career advancement without additional certifications or education, potentially capping your long-term earning growth.
This school makes financial sense if you want to enter healthcare quickly, can handle the concentrated program pace, and plan to work in California where sonographer salaries justify the higher living costs. Skip this option if you're debt-averse, uncertain about healthcare careers, or hoping for significant income growth over time.
Only 26.7% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for reducing costs. Focus on completing the program efficiently to minimize total expenses, since the value proposition depends on getting credentialed and employed quickly rather than extending your time in school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sacramento Ultrasound Institute worth the cost?
With a net price of $34,414 per year and relatively low median debt of $17,000, Sacramento Ultrasound Institute can provide decent value if you complete the program. The 76.5% graduation rate suggests most students finish, but the ROI depends heavily on local job market demand for ultrasound technicians.
How much debt do Sacramento Ultrasound Institute graduates have?
Sacramento Ultrasound Institute graduates carry a median debt of $17,000, which is manageable compared to many other healthcare programs. This lower debt load makes the program more financially viable than schools where students graduate with $30,000+ in loans.
What is the graduation rate at Sacramento Ultrasound Institute?
Sacramento Ultrasound Institute has a 76.5% graduation rate, meaning about 1 in 4 students don't finish the program. This is a significant risk factor when considering the $34,414 annual cost.
Does Sacramento Ultrasound Institute offer good financial aid?
The net price of $34,414 per year at Sacramento Ultrasound Institute reflects what students actually pay after financial aid. Since this is a specialized trade program, federal aid options may be more limited than at traditional colleges.