At $22,480/yr net price, South Coast College graduates earn $44,897/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,897/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,480 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $89,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,897/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,897/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,938 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,390/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,025/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,025/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $32,382 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $16,394 |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at South Coast College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
South Coast College delivers poor financial returns that put most graduates in a difficult position. With median earnings of $44,897 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $22,480 annually, you face a concerning combination of high costs and modest income prospects at this Orange County vocational school.
The 33% graduation rate signals serious completion challenges that compound the financial risk. If you don't finish your program, you still carry debt without the credential needed for career advancement. This completion rate means two out of three students leave without their degree.
Program choice determines your financial outcome at South Coast College. Legal Support Services graduates earn $32,382 annually, which provides reasonable returns given the program's shorter duration. However, Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates face a harsh reality with median earnings of just $16,394, making loan repayment extremely difficult on such low wages.
Your debt load averages $20,938, which becomes unmanageable if you enter the Allied Health program earning poverty-level wages. Even Legal Support Services graduates will struggle with loan payments on their modest salaries.
This school works financially only if you complete the Legal Support Services program and secure steady employment immediately after graduation. Students considering Allied Health programs should explore community college alternatives that offer similar training at much lower cost. The Orange County job market offers opportunities for legal support roles, but you need to finish your program and avoid the Allied Health track that leads to financial hardship.
With 53% of students receiving financial aid, explore every grant and scholarship option before taking loans. Consider part-time enrollment to reduce borrowing if you must attend this school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Coast College worth the cost?
South Coast College's ROI is concerning, with graduates earning a median of $44,897 ten years after enrollment while paying $22,480 annually. The 33% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying programs at South Coast College?
Legal Support Services offers the highest earnings potential at $32,382 annually, but Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates earn only $16,394. Both salaries are relatively low compared to the total cost of attendance.
How much debt do South Coast College graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $20,938, which is manageable compared to many colleges. However, the low earnings in key programs like Allied Health ($16,394) make debt repayment challenging.
What is the graduation rate at South Coast College?
Only 33% of students graduate from South Coast College. This low completion rate significantly increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree that leads to better employment prospects.