Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,899/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,899/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $88,198 | $145,288 |
| Psychology, Other. | Doctoral | $69,338 | $158,875 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $66,250 | $206,673 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Certificate | $48,628 | $36,238 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $48,265 | $62,294 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $46,833 | $82,748 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $28,236 | $108,000 |
Analysis
The Chicago School at Los Angeles delivers mixed financial returns that depend entirely on your program choice. Business administration graduates earn $88,198 annually but carry $145,288 in debt, creating a manageable but substantial repayment burden. Psychology programs tell a more troubling story.
Clinical psychology students face the school's worst debt-to-income ratios, with some programs leaving graduates earning $48,628 while owing $206,673. This creates an unsustainable financial burden that could take decades to resolve. Even the higher-earning psychology track at $69,338 annually comes with $158,875 in debt, making loan payments difficult on a therapist's salary in Los Angeles's expensive market.
Your program selection determines whether this school makes financial sense. Business administration offers the clearest path to positive returns, while most psychology programs create long-term financial stress. The school's location in Los Angeles means high living costs during enrollment and after graduation, though the region's large healthcare and business sectors provide job opportunities.
You should consider this school only if you're pursuing business administration or can secure significant financial aid for psychology programs. The 60% of students receiving aid suggests merit scholarships and need-based grants are available, but you'll need substantial support to make psychology programs financially viable.
Skip this school if you're interested in psychology without major financial backing or clear career plans that justify the debt load. The combination of high program costs and moderate regional salaries for mental health professionals creates poor financial outcomes for most psychology graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Chicago School at Los Angeles worth the cost?
The Chicago School at Los Angeles shows mixed value depending on your program. Business and management graduates earn around $88,000 annually, making the $20,000 median debt manageable, but psychology graduates often earn under $50,000.
What is the ROI for psychology programs at The Chicago School at Los Angeles?
Psychology programs at The Chicago School at Los Angeles have weak ROI, with most graduates earning $48,000-$69,000 annually. Given the field's typically low starting salaries, even the school's relatively low debt load may take years to pay off.
Which programs at The Chicago School at Los Angeles have the best job prospects?
Business Administration and Management programs at The Chicago School at Los Angeles offer the strongest financial outcomes, with graduates earning around $88,000 annually. This significantly outpaces the school's psychology programs and justifies the investment better.
How much debt do students typically graduate with from The Chicago School at Los Angeles?
Students at The Chicago School at Los Angeles graduate with a median debt of $20,000, which is relatively low compared to many private institutions. However, this debt burden becomes problematic for psychology majors who may earn under $50,000 starting out.