At $25,719/yr net price, Unitek College graduates earn $79,550/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $45,550/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,719 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $102,876 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $79,550/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$45,550/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,700 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,388/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,980/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,357/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,357/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $94,112 | $18,594 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $54,697 | $12,523 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $51,180 | $16,610 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Certificate | $34,420 | $9,403 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $31,590 | $7,715 |
The Risk Factor
71.7% of students at Unitek College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Unitek College delivers strong financial returns for nursing students but poor outcomes for most other programs. The registered nursing program produces graduates earning $94,112 annually with manageable debt of $18,594, creating a solid payback timeline of roughly two years. This makes Unitek an excellent choice if you're committed to becoming an RN in the Bay Area healthcare market.
The financial picture deteriorates sharply outside nursing. Computer/Information Technology graduates earn just $34,420 annually while carrying $9,403 in debt, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio in an expensive regional job market. Allied Health and Medical Assisting graduates face even worse prospects at $31,590 in earnings, making it difficult to justify the investment given Bay Area living costs.
Your biggest financial risk at Unitek is program switching. The 71% graduation rate suggests nearly three in ten students don't complete their chosen program, potentially leaving them with debt but no degree. The high retention rate of 86% indicates most students who struggle do so later in their programs rather than early on.
Unitek works financially if you're laser-focused on nursing and can handle the academic rigor. The Bay Area's nursing shortage and high healthcare wages make this investment worthwhile. However, you should look elsewhere for technology or general healthcare support roles, where community colleges offer similar training at lower cost with comparable job prospects.
With only 42% of students receiving aid, Unitek expects most families to pay full freight. The relatively low median debt of $10,700 suggests either strong family financial support or students working while enrolled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Unitek College worth the money for nursing programs?
Unitek College's registered nursing program shows strong ROI with graduates earning around $94,000 annually, well above the school's $25,719 yearly cost. The 71.7% graduation rate is decent for a vocational school, and median debt of $10,700 is manageable for nursing salaries.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Unitek College?
Job prospects vary dramatically by program at Unitek College. Nursing graduates typically find work easily and earn good salaries, while allied health and IT graduates earn much less at $31,000-34,000 annually, making the investment questionable for these fields.
How much debt do Unitek College students typically graduate with?
Unitek College graduates carry a median debt of $10,700, which is relatively low compared to many private colleges. However, this debt load becomes problematic for graduates in lower-paying programs like allied health services where starting salaries are around $31,000.
Does Unitek College have good financial aid for students?
With a net price of $25,719 per year, Unitek College costs significantly more than community college alternatives for similar programs. The low median debt suggests some financial aid is available, but students should compare costs carefully against local community colleges offering nursing programs.