Stanbridge University
Stanbridge University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Stanbridge University at a Glance
Stanbridge University is a private for-profit university in California with locations in Irvine, Alhambra, Riverside, and San Marcos. The university offers education in nursing and allied health in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Diego County, and online. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges, ACCSC.
1996
30 years old
1,800
Identity
Is Stanbridge University Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Stanbridge University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $62,144 — 16% above average — while paying $45,372/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.9-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 72% graduation rate means roughly 28% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Admission is competitive with a 10% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Stanbridge University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Stanbridge University compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #7 of 7 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 |
| #7 | Stanbridge University | 25 | $45,372 | $62,144 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of Stanbridge University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in CA.
Best Programs at Stanbridge University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Stanbridge University. 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 $45,372/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
- Irvine, CA
- Student Body
- 2,643 students
- Admission Rate
- 10%
- Graduation Rate
- 72%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $45,372
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,144
- Median Student Debt
- $20,000