Degree Dividend
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North-West College-San Diego vs American Beauty College: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, San Diego CA · vs · Private for-profit, West Covina CA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but North-West College-San Diego comes closer — median earnings $41,472 against a $93,006 total, vs $22,481 at American Beauty College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureNorth-West College-San DiegoAmerican Beauty College
Net price / yr$46,503$25,781
Total net cost$93,006$103,124
Median earnings, 10 yrs$41,472$22,481
Median debt$9,500$5,430
Payback
20-year net return-$230,766-$620,704

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

Which is cheaper, North-West College-San Diego or American Beauty College?

American Beauty College, at $25,781 a year after aid versus $46,503 — a gap of $20,722 a year, or $10,118 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do North-West College-San Diego or American Beauty College graduates earn more?

North-West College-San Diego graduates report a median $41,472 ten years after entry, $18,991 more than the $22,481 at American Beauty 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, North-West College-San Diego or American Beauty College?

American Beauty College: its completers carry a median $5,430 in federal loans versus $9,500 at North-West College-San Diego, a difference of $4,070. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

North-West College-San Diego vs American Beauty College: frequently asked questions

Is North-West College-San Diego or American Beauty College a better value?
North-West College-San Diego comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, North-West College-San Diego or American Beauty College?
American Beauty College: $25,781/yr net price after aid versus $46,503/yr at North-West College-San Diego — a difference of $20,722 a year, or about $10,118 over four years.
Do North-West College-San Diego or American Beauty College graduates earn more?
North-West College-San Diego graduates earn a median $41,472 ten years after entry, versus $22,481 at American Beauty College — a $18,991 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.