Career Networks Institute
Career Networks Institute — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Career Networks Institute Worth It?
At a value score of 19/100, Career Networks Institute is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,256 — 16% below average — while paying $49,677/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 4.4-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 83% graduation rate means roughly 17% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $25,899 representing 57% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Career Networks Institute has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Career Networks Institute compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #20 of 35 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 | Strayer University-Florida | 62 | $16,064 | $40,092 |
| #2 | Angeles College | 41 | $28,639 | $49,108 |
| #3 | Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology | 39 | $21,276 | $47,792 |
| #4 | Eastwick College-Ramsey | 34 | $27,074 | $51,725 |
| #5 | Sumner College | 32 | $29,411 | $46,639 |
| #6 | Southern California Institute of Technology | 31 | $33,392 | $53,598 |
| #20 | Career Networks Institute | 19 | $49,677 | $45,256 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of Career Networks Institute's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 8 in CA.
Best Programs at Career Networks Institute
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Career Networks Institute. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $49,677/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
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Santa Ana, CA
- Student Body
- 1,133 students
- Graduation Rate
- 83%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $49,677
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,256
- Median Student Debt
- $25,899