At $27,735/yr net price, Southern California Institute of Technology graduates earn $53,598/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,598/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,735 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,598/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,598/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,798 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $26,219/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,306/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,074/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,065/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,673/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $34,302 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $33,384 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $45,529 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $43,426 | $9,500 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $35,345 | $9,500 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Certificate | $34,704 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
79.4% of students at Southern California Institute of Technology graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 21% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Southern California Institute of Technology delivers solid financial returns for engineering students but falls short in other areas. The $27,735 annual net price produces median earnings of $53,598 after ten years, creating a reasonable payback period for most graduates.
Electrical and biomedical engineering majors see the strongest returns, earning nearly $58,000 annually. However, these programs saddle students with over $30,000 in debt compared to the school's $10,798 median. Computer science graduates earn $45,529 but carry unknown debt levels. The electromechanical and electrical installation programs offer better debt-to-income ratios with only $9,500 in borrowing.
You face significant risk if you pursue programs outside the engineering focus. The 79% graduation rate means one in five students leaves without a degree, and the 81% retention rate suggests early academic struggles for many.
This school works best if you want hands-on engineering training in Southern California's aerospace and tech corridor. The location provides access to defense contractors, tech companies, and manufacturing firms that value technical skills over strong degrees. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive financial aid beyond the basic federal programs or want broader career flexibility.
Avoid this school if you're uncertain about engineering as a career path. The narrow program focus and for-profit structure leave little room for exploration, and switching majors likely means starting over elsewhere. The investment makes sense only if you're committed to technical fields and comfortable with moderate debt levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern California Institute of Technology worth the cost?
SCIT offers decent value for engineering programs, with graduates earning $53,598 after 10 years against a net price of $27,735 annually. The relatively low median debt of $10,798 and 79% graduation rate make it a reasonable choice for technical fields, though earnings vary significantly by program.
What are the best paying programs at Southern California Institute of Technology?
Electrical and biomedical engineering programs lead with graduates earning around $58,000 annually. Computer science graduates earn $45,529, while specialized technical programs like electromechanical instrumentation pay $43,426.
How much debt do Southern California Institute of Technology graduates have?
The median debt is $10,798, which is relatively manageable compared to many four-year institutions. This lower debt load helps improve the overall return on investment for most programs.
Does Southern California Institute of Technology have good job placement after graduation?
With a 79% graduation rate and focused technical programs, SCIT provides solid preparation for engineering and technology careers. However, career outcomes depend heavily on which specific program you choose, as earnings range from $35,000 to $58,000.