Smith Chason College
Smith Chason College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Smith Chason College Worth It?
At a value score of 27/100, Smith Chason College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,004 — 8% above average — while paying $34,367/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.4-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 64% graduation rate means roughly 36% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Smith Chason College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Smith Chason College compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #6 of 13 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 | Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology | 39 | $21,276 | $47,792 |
| #2 | Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio | 38 | $29,104 | $61,480 |
| #3 | Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay | 35 | $28,197 | $61,480 |
| #4 | Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | 35 | $32,427 | $66,844 |
| #5 | Eastwick College-Ramsey | 34 | $27,074 | $51,725 |
| #6 | Smith Chason College | 27 | $34,367 | $58,004 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of Smith Chason College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in CA.
Best Programs at Smith Chason College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Smith Chason College. 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 $34,367/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
- Los Angeles, CA
- Student Body
- 2,447 students
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $34,367
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,004
- Median Student Debt
- $21,397