California Aeronautical University
California Aeronautical University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is California Aeronautical University Worth It?
At a value score of 9/100, California Aeronautical University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $38,361 — 29% below average — while paying $36,126/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 3.8-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 35% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at California Aeronautical University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How California Aeronautical University compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #35 of 46 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Concorde Career College-Aurora | 42 | $16,666 | $42,456 |
| #2 | Professional Skills Institute | 34 | $20,721 | $47,765 |
| #3 | ATI College-Whittier | 33 | $20,467 | $38,938 |
| #4 | Sumner College | 32 | $29,411 | $46,639 |
| #5 | InterCoast Colleges-West Covina | 30 | $27,536 | $36,089 |
| #6 | Platt College-Ontario | 28 | $20,711 | $40,669 |
| #35 | California Aeronautical University | 9 | $36,126 | $38,361 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of California Aeronautical University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 9 in CA.
Best Programs at California Aeronautical University
The highest-earning program at California Aeronautical University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $43,700/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from California Aeronautical University earns $43,700, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $43,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $31,866 in median debt vs. $31,866 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $36,126/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,700 | $43,700 | $31,866 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Bakersfield, CA
- Student Body
- 347 students
- Graduation Rate
- 35%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $36,126
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,361