At $7,131/yr net price, West Los Angeles College graduates earn $38,537/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,537/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,131 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,524 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,537/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,537/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,841/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,739/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,381/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,477/yr |
The Risk Factor
21.4% of students at West Los Angeles College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
West Los Angeles College delivers weak financial returns with a median income of $38,537 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate below 22%. The low completion rate means most students leave without a credential, making this a high-risk investment despite relatively affordable costs.
The $7,131 annual net price keeps debt manageable, with median borrowing at $13,500. However, the poor graduation outcomes undermine any cost advantages. Your return depends entirely on whether you can beat the odds and actually finish your program.
Only 20% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. The school primarily serves students who qualify for need-based assistance rather than offering merit-based incentives to attract higher-achieving applicants.
This institution works best as a stepping stone if you plan to transfer to a four-year university after completing general education requirements. Using WLAC for prerequisite courses at community college prices makes financial sense, but staying for a full degree program carries significant risk given the completion rates.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong career services, alumni networks, or programs with clear employment pathways. The earnings data suggests graduates struggle to find well-paying positions, likely reflecting both the regional job market limitations and the school's limited industry connections.
Consider WLAC only if you have a specific transfer plan to a stronger four-year institution or need flexible scheduling that other schools cannot provide. The numbers show this is not a destination school for students seeking solid career outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Los Angeles College worth the cost compared to other schools?
West Los Angeles College costs $7,131 per year with graduates earning $38,537 after 10 years, making it affordable but with below-average earning outcomes. The low graduation rate of 21% means many students don't complete their programs.
What is the return on investment for West Los Angeles College degrees?
With median debt of $13,500 and starting salaries around $38,537, most graduates can pay off loans within a reasonable timeframe. However, the extremely low graduation rate means the majority of students never see this return.
Which programs at West Los Angeles College have the best job prospects?
As a community college, West Los Angeles College focuses on transfer preparation and workforce training programs. Students planning to transfer to four-year universities typically see better long-term earning potential than those entering the workforce directly.
How much debt do West Los Angeles College students typically graduate with?
Students who graduate from West Los Angeles College carry median debt of $13,500, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. The bigger financial risk is not graduating at all, which affects nearly 80% of students.