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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a weak completion record. Net price sits around $7,131 a year, and if you finish, median debt of $13,500 is manageable against the $38,537 median earnings ten years out. The problem is the 21.40% graduation rate. Fewer than one in four of you cross the finish line, and the debt-to-earnings math only works if you're in that group.
That low graduation rate is the central financial risk here. If you borrow, start, and don't finish, you carry debt without the degree that pays it back. The $38,537 median earnings figure reflects students who completed. it does not describe what happens if you drop out with loans.
The net price tiers stay flat and low across incomes. If your family earns under $48k, you pay under $6,800 a year, and even at $75-110k you're under $10,500. This is a school built for tight budgets, and the low sticker price is its strongest selling point.
West LA is a good financial fit for you if you can commit to finishing, especially as a transfer stepping stone into the UC or Cal State system where the bachelor's degree gets earned. Keep borrowing minimal and treat completion as the whole point. If you're uncertain you'll finish or you want a program with proven bachelor-level earnings, look elsewhere, because the earnings and graduation numbers here don't guarantee a return on the years you put in.
I left out program-specific "which majors pay off" claims because no program-level salary data was provided for this school.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.