Saddleback College vs Chamberlain University-California: which has better ROI?
Chamberlain University-California has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $146,236 in 3.3 years versus 3.3 years at Saddleback College, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $50,874 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Saddleback College | Chamberlain University-California |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $4,152 | $36,559 |
| Total net cost | $8,304 | $146,236 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,874 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $9,500 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 3.3 yrs | 3.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $41,976 | $734,664 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Saddleback College or Chamberlain University-California?
Saddleback College, at $4,152 a year after aid versus $36,559 — a gap of $32,407 a year, or $137,932 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Saddleback College or Chamberlain University-California graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-California graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $41,531 more than the $50,874 at Saddleback 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, Saddleback College or Chamberlain University-California?
Saddleback College: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-California, a difference of $11,419. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.