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Menlo College vs Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Atherton CA · vs · Private nonprofit, Los Angeles CA

The verdict

Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $142,232 in 4.1 years versus 4.4 years at Menlo College, on median earnings of $83,438 vs $76,419 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMenlo CollegeCharles R Drew University of Medicine and Science
Net price / yr$31,100$35,558
Total net cost$124,400$142,232
Median earnings, 10 yrs$76,419$83,438
Median debt$21,750$18,750
Payback4.4 yrs4.1 yrs
20-year net return$436,780$559,328

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Menlo College or Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science?

Menlo College, at $31,100 a year after aid versus $35,558 — a gap of $4,458 a year, or $17,832 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Menlo College or Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science graduates earn more?

Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science graduates report a median $83,438 ten years after entry, $7,019 more than the $76,419 at Menlo College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Menlo College or Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science?

Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science: its completers carry a median $18,750 in federal loans versus $21,750 at Menlo College, a difference of $3,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

54% of students finish at Menlo College, against 30% at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Menlo College vs Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science: frequently asked questions

Is Menlo College or Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science a better value?
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science. It clears its $142,232 net cost in about 4.1 years versus 4.4 years at Menlo College, on median earnings of $83,438 vs $76,419 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Menlo College or Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science?
Menlo College: $31,100/yr net price after aid versus $35,558/yr at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science — a difference of $4,458 a year, or about $17,832 over four years.
Do Menlo College or Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science graduates earn more?
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science graduates earn a median $83,438 ten years after entry, versus $76,419 at Menlo College — a $7,019 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.