At $30,096/yr net price, Valley College-Cleveland graduates earn $24,900/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,096 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $120,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $24,900/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-9,100/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,085/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,291/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,537/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $20,687 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
52.6% of students at Valley College-Cleveland graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Valley College-Cleveland delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost. With median earnings of just $24,900 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $30,096 annually, graduates earn less than the typical high school graduate while carrying education debt.
The school's flagship Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services program produces particularly concerning outcomes, with graduates earning only $20,687 annually against $9,500 in typical debt. These earnings fall well below living wages in the Cleveland market, where even entry-level positions in other fields often pay more.
The 52.6% graduation rate compounds the financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt but lacking the credentials that might justify the investment. This creates a scenario where you face significant downside risk with limited upside potential.
You should avoid this school unless you have exhausted all other training options. Community colleges in the Cleveland area offer similar programs at much lower costs with better job placement records. If you must pursue healthcare support roles, consider certified programs at local hospitals or community colleges that cost a fraction of Valley College's tuition.
The high percentage of students receiving financial aid reflects the school's high costs relative to typical student resources. Merit scholarships appear limited, and the school's for-profit structure means tuition revenue drives institutional priorities rather than student outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valley College-Cleveland worth the cost?
With graduates earning just $24,900 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $30,096 per year, Valley College-Cleveland offers poor return on investment. The low graduation rate of 53% adds significant risk to an already questionable financial proposition.
What programs at Valley College-Cleveland have the best job prospects?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services is the top program, though graduates still earn only $20,687 annually. This is below the national average for healthcare support roles and may not justify the tuition costs.
How much debt do Valley College-Cleveland students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to other private colleges. However, given the poor earning outcomes, even this modest debt load represents a significant burden for graduates.
What are the biggest financial risks of attending Valley College-Cleveland?
Nearly half of students don't graduate, meaning they may face debt without a degree. Those who do graduate earn wages that make loan repayment difficult and provide limited financial mobility.