At $34,402/yr net price, Smith Chason College graduates earn $58,004/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,004/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,402 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $137,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,004/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,004/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,397 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $34,583/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,205/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,408/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,027/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,750/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $76,460 | $25,839 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $45,500 | $16,640 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $34,140 | $22,522 |
The Risk Factor
48.5% of students at Smith Chason 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
Smith Chason College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $58,004 against a net price of $34,402 annually, you face four years of high costs for modest career prospects in Los Angeles's expensive job market.
The Allied Health Diagnostic program stands out as the only financially viable option, producing graduates earning $76,460 with manageable debt of $25,839. This program justifies the college's costs and connects well with LA's healthcare demand. Practical nursing graduates earn just $45,500 with $16,640 in debt, creating a concerning earnings-to-debt ratio for a four-year investment. The lower-tier Allied Health track pays only $34,140 while carrying $22,522 in debt, making it financially destructive.
The 48.5% graduation rate creates substantial risk that you'll accumulate debt without earning a degree. As a for-profit institution, Smith Chason offers limited financial aid compared to traditional colleges, with only 55.79% of students receiving assistance. Merit scholarships are minimal, so expect to pay close to full price.
This school makes financial sense only if you're committed to the high-earning Allied Health Diagnostic program and have researched specific job placement rates. The college works for career changers who need healthcare credentials and can handle the debt load. Skip Smith Chason if you're undecided about your major, considering the lower-paying programs, or have community college alternatives available for healthcare training at fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smith Chason College worth the money?
Smith Chason College's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Allied health graduates earn $76,460 annually, making the $34,402 yearly cost reasonable, but the 48.5% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Smith Chason College?
Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the strongest returns at $76,460 average salary. Practical nursing graduates earn $45,500, while some allied health tracks only reach $34,140.
How much debt do Smith Chason College graduates have?
Graduates leave with $21,397 in median debt, which is manageable for allied health earners but creates payment stress for lower-earning program graduates.
What is Smith Chason College's graduation rate and job placement?
Only 48.5% of students graduate, meaning over half don't complete their programs. The school focuses on health careers with direct job paths, but you need to actually finish to benefit.