Los Angeles College of Music
Los Angeles College of Music — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Los Angeles College of Music Worth It?
At a value score of 8/100, Los Angeles College of Music is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $31,758 — 41% below average — while paying $43,590/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
A 44% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,938 representing 88% 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 Los Angeles College of Music has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Los Angeles College of Music compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #20 of 28 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 | ATI College-Whittier | 33 | $20,467 | $38,938 |
| #2 | PCI College | 24 | $27,439 | $36,141 |
| #3 | Wade College | 23 | $20,778 | $36,657 |
| #4 | Bryan University | 22 | $20,053 | $28,725 |
| #5 | Miami Regional University | 22 | $22,113 | $29,081 |
| #6 | American National University-Louisville | 21 | $17,010 | $28,188 |
| #20 | Los Angeles College of Music | 8 | $43,590 | $31,758 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of Los Angeles College of Music's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in CA.
Best Programs at Los Angeles College of Music
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Los Angeles College of Music. 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 $43,590/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
- Pasadena, CA
- Student Body
- 227 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 44%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $43,590
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $31,758
- Median Student Debt
- $27,938