At $51,992/yr net price, West Coast University-Los Angeles graduates earn $102,672/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $68,672/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $51,992 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $207,968 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $102,672/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$68,672/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $32,946 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $51,992/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. | Master | $108,331 | $35,570 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $82,415 | $34,145 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $74,845 | $91,074 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $33,707 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $63,005 | $25,666 |
The Risk Factor
44.4% of students at West Coast University-Los Angeles 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
West Coast University-Los Angeles delivers mixed financial returns that depend entirely on your program choice. The $52,000 annual price tag creates serious debt burdens for students in lower-earning majors, while nursing graduates see strong payoffs.
Nursing programs justify the high costs with median earnings above $108,000 and manageable debt loads around $35,000. Dental support services also work financially at $71,000 in earnings with similar debt levels. However, rehabilitation therapy programs create a dangerous debt-to-income ratio with $91,000 in debt for $75,000 in annual earnings.
The 44% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. More than half of students leave without degrees but still carry debt. The 100% retention rate between first and second year suggests students take time to realize academic fit, making early program selection critical.
You should consider this school only if you plan to enter nursing or dental support programs and can handle the intense academic demands. Students interested in other health fields face questionable returns given the debt levels. The school works best for career changers with existing bachelor's degrees who need specific healthcare certifications quickly.
Financial aid reaches less than half of students, limiting affordability options. Merit scholarships appear limited at this for-profit institution. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites at community college before transferring, though the school's accelerated format may not accommodate this approach well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Coast University-Los Angeles worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $52,000 per year and only a 44% graduation rate, West Coast University-Los Angeles carries significant financial risk for many students. The nursing programs show strong earning potential at $108,000, but other programs may not justify the cost.
What programs at West Coast University-Los Angeles have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning around $108,000 annually. Other health programs like rehabilitation therapy ($75,000) and dental support ($71,000) also provide decent returns, while administrative health services programs show weaker earning potential at $63,000.
How much debt do West Coast University-Los Angeles graduates typically have?
The median debt is $32,946, which is manageable for nursing graduates but could be problematic for lower-earning programs. With less than half of students graduating, many borrowers may struggle to complete their degrees and repay loans.
Does West Coast University-Los Angeles provide good financial aid?
The high net price of $52,000 suggests limited financial aid effectiveness for most students. The low graduation rate indicates many students may be taking on debt they cannot handle or afford to complete their programs.