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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans positive because of low debt, not high pay. You leave with a median debt near $10,800, which is small enough that even a moderate salary can service it. The catch is that median earnings ten years out sit under what you might expect for a tech-focused school in the pricey Southern California market, where housing eats a large share of income.
The engineering programs are where the money is. Electrical engineering and biomedical engineering both clear $58,000, and they justify the tuition for a for-profit school. Computer science lags well behind at $45,529, which is a weak return for that field in a region packed with higher-paying tech and defense employers. If you enroll here for CS specifically, look hard at what nearby public options pay their graduates.
The main financial risk is the program-level debt gap. Those engineering degrees carry over $33,000 in debt at graduation, roughly three times the school-wide median. Strong earnings can absorb that, but a stumble in job placement leaves you exposed. As a for-profit school, your outcome depends heavily on finishing and landing an engineering role, though the 79% grad rate and 81% retention suggest most people do finish.
The net price structure works backward from most schools. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $26,200, while families over $110,000 pay roughly $33,700. That flatter-than-usual gap means lower-income families still face a real bill, and higher earners get little discount.
This school fits you if you commit to electrical or biomedical engineering and want low borrowing. If you want computer science or need deep need-based aid, price out California's public universities first.
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.