At $21,967/yr net price, Valley College of Medical Careers graduates earn $37,453/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,453/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,967 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,868 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,453/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,453/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 25.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 78.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,876 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,578/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,322/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,697/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $24,267 | $8,109 |
The Risk Factor
78.6% of students at Valley College of Medical Careers graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 21% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Valley College of Medical Careers delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its high costs. With median earnings of $37,453 ten years after graduation and an annual net price of $21,967, you're looking at a debt-to-income ratio that makes financial sense only if you complete quickly and land work immediately.
The school's medical administrative and diagnostic programs both cap out around $34,000 annually, which barely covers basic living expenses in West Hills. Medical assisting pays even less at $24,267, creating a concerning gap between what you'll earn and what you'll owe. The relatively low median debt of $8,876 helps, but only if you avoid extending your time in school.
Your biggest financial risk here is the for-profit structure combined with limited earning potential. If you don't graduate or can't find work in healthcare immediately, you'll struggle to service even modest debt on minimum wage. The 78.6% graduation rate means one in five students leaves with debt but no credential.
This school makes financial sense only if you need healthcare training fast, live locally to avoid housing costs, and can secure employment quickly after graduation. Look elsewhere if you qualify for community college programs that offer similar training at lower cost, or if you can access nursing programs that lead to substantially higher earnings.
With 77% of students receiving aid, explore every grant option before taking loans. The school's merit scholarships are limited, so your best cost strategy involves finishing quickly and working part-time in healthcare during school to build connections for immediate post-graduation employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valley College of Medical Careers worth the cost?
With graduates earning $37,453 after 10 years and annual costs of $21,967, Valley College of Medical Careers offers modest returns. The relatively low median debt of $8,876 reduces financial risk, but earnings potential remains limited compared to four-year degrees.
What programs at Valley College of Medical Careers have the best ROI?
Health and Medical Administrative Services and Allied Health Diagnostic programs both lead to $33,993 median earnings, making them the strongest options. Medical Assisting Services pays significantly less at $24,267, making it a weaker choice financially.
How much debt do Valley College of Medical Careers graduates typically have?
The median debt is $8,876, which is manageable compared to many colleges. However, with starting salaries around $37,000, graduates will still need several years to pay off loans while covering living expenses.
Does Valley College of Medical Careers have good graduation rates?
The 78.6% graduation rate is solid for a career college. Most students who enroll do complete their programs, though the relatively low earning potential afterward remains a concern for ROI.