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 carries real financial risk. You pay $22,480 a year at a two-year for-profit school, and the median graduate earns $44,897 a decade out. That earnings figure isn't terrible on its own, but only a third of students finish. If you're part of the two-thirds who don't graduate, you're left with debt and no credential to show for it.
The program data here is thin and doesn't favor the school. The associate degree in Legal Support Services reports median earnings around $32,382 , below the school-wide median and barely above what a high school graduate might expect. The Allied Health and Medical Assisting track is a certificate, not a degree, and its reported earnings sit near $16,394, which does not cover the cost of attending. Neither listed program pays for itself quickly at these prices.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $17,390 a year , still steep for a two-year program. But families earning $75,000 or more pay $25,025, more than the sticker figure, and there's no price break as income climbs into six figures. Middle- and upper-income families get no discount here.
This school makes financial sense only if you enter with a clear job lined up in legal support or medical assisting, finish fast, and keep your borrowing at or below the $20,938 median. If you're uncertain about completing, or you're comparing options, a community college in Orange County will get you similar or better outcomes at a fraction of the price. For most people, the math here does not work out.
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.