West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County
West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County at a Glance
West Coast University (WCU) is a private, for-profit university focused on healthcare degrees with campus locations in Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Ontario, California; Richardson, Texas; and Miami, Florida. David Pyle founded American Career College in 1979 under the name of American College of Optics. Originally the school focused only on optical dispensing. In May 1997, Pyle purchased West Coast University, which was chartered by the State of California in 1909, out of bankruptcy, and developed …
1909
117 years old
Is West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County Worth It?
West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County offers moderate value at $32,879/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $102,672, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 61% graduation rate means roughly 39% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #2 of 6 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 | Unitek College | 56 | $25,179 | $79,550 |
| #2 | West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County | 48 | $32,879 | $102,672 |
| #3 | Chamberlain University-Georgia | 35 | $33,188 | $92,405 |
| #4 | West Coast University-Ontario | 26 | $49,590 | $102,672 |
| #5 | West Coast University-Texas | 23 | $53,020 | $102,672 |
| #6 | Chamberlain University-Texas | 18 | $32,209 | $92,405 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in CA.
Best Programs at West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County
The highest-earning program at West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $77,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at $68,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County earns $77,900, while a Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduate earns $68,200. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $34,877 in median debt vs. $33,207 for Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $32,879/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $77,900 | $77,900 | $34,877 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $68,200 | $68,200 | $33,207 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Anaheim, CA
- Student Body
- 3,192 students
- Graduation Rate
- 61%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $32,879
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $102,672
- Median Student Debt
- $32,946