West Coast University-Ontario
West Coast University-Ontario — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
West Coast University-Ontario 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-Ontario Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, West Coast University-Ontario is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $102,672 — 91% above average — while paying $49,590/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at West Coast University-Ontario has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How West Coast University-Ontario compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #3 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 | West Coast University-Anaheim-Orange County | 48 | $32,879 | $102,672 |
| #2 | Chamberlain University-Georgia | 35 | $33,188 | $92,405 |
| #3 | West Coast University-Ontario | 26 | $49,590 | $102,672 |
| #4 | West Coast University-Texas | 23 | $53,020 | $102,672 |
| #5 | Chamberlain University-New Jersey | 20 | $37,984 | $92,405 |
| #6 | Chamberlain University-Texas | 18 | $32,209 | $92,405 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of West Coast University-Ontario's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in CA.
Best Programs at West Coast University-Ontario
The highest-earning program at West Coast University-Ontario is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $77,900/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from West Coast University-Ontario earns $77,900, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $77,900. 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. $34,877 for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $49,590/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
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 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Ontario, CA
- Student Body
- 2,671 students
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $49,590
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $102,672
- Median Student Debt
- $32,946