Location: Los Angeles, CA•In-State Tuition: $18,933•Admission Rate: 39%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$66,398
Est. from national median (39 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,558
Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

A nursing certificate from Charles R Drew comes with estimated debt of $26,558—somewhat higher than what California nursing programs typically carry ($19,800)—but the bigger concern lies in the earnings projection. Based on national peer programs, first-year earnings around $66,400 fall dramatically short of what California's nursing market actually delivers. The state median for similar nursing credentials is $95,982, and even community colleges like Cabrillo report outcomes above $91,000 for their nursing graduates.

This $30,000 gap matters enormously when you're carrying above-average debt. California nursing programs generally produce strong returns because the state's healthcare wages are exceptional, but these estimates suggest Charles R Drew graduates may not be accessing that same market advantage—or the estimation methodology is masking what's actually happening with this cohort. Either scenario deserves scrutiny. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 looks reasonable on paper, but only if those earnings materialize.

Before committing, demand clarity from the school about where their nursing graduates actually work and what they actually earn. If Charles R Drew's placement outcomes genuinely lag $30,000 behind state peers, that's a red flag about clinical partnerships, program reputation, or graduate preparedness. If the estimates are simply unreliable due to small cohorts, you need real numbers—not national approximations—to evaluate a program in California's uniquely high-wage nursing market.

Where Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing certificate's programs nationally

Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (estimated ±10%)Other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (38 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and ScienceLos Angeles$18,933$66,398*—$26,558*—
Glendale Career CollegeGlendale—$100,874*—$33,930*0.34
Cabrillo CollegeAptos$1,270$91,090*$102,629$15,000*0.16
National Median—$66,398*—$23,562*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 39 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.