Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Los Angeles Harbor College

Los Angeles Harbor College's nursing program produces first-year earnings of $91,233—exceptionally strong compared to the national median of $68,409, but actually below average for California, where the typical nursing graduate earns $97,457. That 40th percentile ranking among California programs matters because your child will likely be competing with other in-state nurses, and California's nursing market is notably more lucrative than the rest of the country.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $16,352, translating to a manageable 0.18 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, earnings actually decline 4% by year four, dropping to $87,214—an unusual pattern that suggests either job market saturation or that graduates face difficulty advancing beyond entry-level positions. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly year to year, so don't treat them as gospel.

For a California nursing program, this is a solid but not spectacular option. Your child would graduate with minimal debt and strong earning potential by national standards, though they'd be starting somewhat behind peers from higher-performing California community colleges like Yuba or Merced. If Harbor College offers geographic convenience or other advantages, the modest debt burden means it's still a defensible choice—just recognize it's middle-of-the-pack within the state's competitive nursing landscape.