Carrington College-Las Vegas

With median 10-year earnings of $36,718 and median debt of $9,500, the return on investment for Carrington College-Las Vegas may be limited for some graduates.

The graduation rate at Carrington College-Las Vegas is 49.8%.

The median debt at graduation is $9,500, while median 10-year earnings are $36,718, indicating that earnings may not substantially exceed debt for many alumni.

Carrington College-Las Vegas has a small student body size of 396 students.

The student body at Carrington College-Las Vegas is diverse, with significant percentages of Hispanic (37.6%) and Black (18.4%) students, along with Asian (13.1%) and White (13.4%) students.

Carrington College-Las Vegas, like many private for-profit institutions, does not publicly disclose a specific, traditional acceptance rate. Admission is typically based on meeting program prerequisites, such as a high school diploma or GED, and potentially specific academic requirements for certain health programs (e.g., minimum GPA, entrance exams like the TEAS for nursing). The admissions process often involves interviews and assessments to gauge a student's readiness for the demanding curriculum. While not highly selective in the academic sense of a traditional university, prospective students must demonstrate a commitment to completing a rigorous, career-focused program. The focus is less on competitive academic scores and more on suitability for the chosen career path. Interested applicants should contact the admissions office directly for the most accurate information on program requirements and the application process. They often have rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received, rather than adhering to strict application deadlines.

Determining if Carrington College-Las Vegas is 'worth the money' requires a careful cost-benefit analysis. The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low, and the median 10-year earnings are $36,718. This suggests a potential debt payoff timeline of roughly 2-3 years if earnings remain consistent. However, the graduation rate of 49.8% is a significant concern, indicating that nearly half of students do not complete their programs, potentially leaving them with debt but without the intended credential. For-profit colleges often have higher tuition than public institutions. If Carrington's programs lead directly to well-paying, in-demand jobs in the Las Vegas area, and if you are confident in your ability to complete the program, it could be a worthwhile investment for specific vocational training. However, it's crucial to compare costs and outcomes against local community colleges (like the College of Southern Nevada) or state universities that may offer similar programs at a lower price point and potentially with higher completion rates. Thoroughly investigate program-specific job placement rates and starting salaries before committing.

Carrington College-Las Vegas excels in offering programs geared towards the healthcare industry, which is a major employer in the Las Vegas area. Top programs often include: 1. **Nursing (Associate Degree in Nursing - ADN):** This is frequently a flagship program at Carrington, preparing students for Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. The demand for nurses in Las Vegas is consistently high, with major hospital systems like Sunrise Hospital and St. Rose Dominican seeking qualified graduates. 2. **Medical Assisting:** This program equips students with skills for both clinical and administrative tasks in medical offices, a growing field as healthcare providers expand their services. 3. **Dental Assisting:** With numerous dental practices in the region, graduates from this program can find employment opportunities relatively quickly. 4. **Diagnostic Medical Sonography:** This specialized program trains students to operate ultrasound equipment, a critical diagnostic tool in modern medicine. When choosing a major, consider the local job market demand in Las Vegas, your personal aptitude and interest, and the specific accreditation and licensure requirements for each field. Researching the job placement rates for each specific program at Carrington is highly recommended.

Student life at Carrington College-Las Vegas is primarily focused on academic and career preparation, reflecting its nature as a career-oriented, private for-profit institution. The student body is generally composed of individuals seeking to enter or advance in specific vocational fields, particularly healthcare. As a smaller institution (around 396 students), the campus environment is likely more intimate than a large university. Traditional campus-wide social events, extensive extracurricular clubs, or large athletic programs are not the focus. Instead, student life revolves around cohort-based learning, study groups, and professional development activities organized by the college, such as career workshops or guest lectures from industry professionals. The Las Vegas location offers abundant off-campus social and recreational opportunities, from entertainment and dining to outdoor activities, which many students engage with during their free time. The emphasis is on a structured, goal-oriented educational experience designed to facilitate a swift transition into the workforce.

Carrington College-Las Vegas provides financial aid to eligible students, primarily through federal student aid programs. This includes Federal Pell Grants (for students demonstrating exceptional financial need), Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans (for students meeting certain credit requirements), and Federal Direct PLUS Loans for parents or graduate students. Many students also utilize institutional payment plans. The median debt of $9,500 suggests that a significant portion of students rely on loans to finance their education. To determine eligibility and the amount of aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Carrington's financial aid office works with students to package aid based on their specific needs and program costs. It's crucial for prospective students to meet with a financial aid advisor to understand the full cost of attendance, available aid options, and their estimated out-of-pocket expenses. Given its for-profit status, tuition can be substantial, making financial aid a critical component for most students.

The median earnings for Carrington College-Las Vegas graduates over a 10-year period are reported as $36,718 annually. However, this is a broad median and actual salaries can vary significantly based on the specific program of study, the role obtained, and the employer. For instance: * **Nursing Graduates (ADN):** Entry-level Registered Nurse positions in Las Vegas hospitals like Sunrise Hospital or St. Rose Dominican might start in the range of $55,000 - $70,000 annually, with potential for growth based on experience and specialization. * **Medical Assisting Graduates:** Salaries for medical assistants in the Las Vegas area typically range from $30,000 - $45,000 annually, depending on the clinic and responsibilities. * **Dental Assisting Graduates:** Dental assistants might expect starting salaries between $35,000 - $50,000 annually. * **Diagnostic Medical Sonography Graduates:** Sonographers often command higher salaries, potentially starting in the $60,000 - $80,000 range, due to the specialized skills required. It's essential to consult program-specific career services at Carrington for the most up-to-date and accurate salary expectations based on recent graduate placements and local market data. The overall median earnings figure should be viewed as a general benchmark, not a guarantee.

Carrington College-Las Vegas does not operate traditional on-campus dormitories or student housing. As a primarily commuter and career-focused institution located in an urban setting, it does not provide residential facilities for its students. Students are expected to arrange their own housing in the surrounding Las Vegas area. This is common for many private for-profit colleges that focus on vocational training and attract students who may already be local residents or prefer to live independently off-campus. Prospective students seeking housing will need to explore options in apartments or shared living situations throughout the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The college's location in Las Vegas means there is a wide range of housing choices available, varying in cost and proximity to the campus, depending on individual budgets and preferences.

Carrington College-Las Vegas is not primarily designed as a research institution. Its focus is on providing career-focused education and vocational training, particularly in the healthcare field, with the goal of preparing students for direct entry into the workforce. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, clinical competencies, and licensure preparation rather than theoretical research or academic inquiry. Consequently, opportunities for undergraduate research, faculty-led research projects, or access to extensive research facilities are limited compared to traditional universities or liberal arts colleges. While students will engage in evidence-based practices within their clinical coursework, this is distinct from conducting independent research. Students interested in research-oriented careers or graduate studies involving significant research components might find other institutions better suited to their goals. Carrington's strength lies in its applied learning approach for specific professions.

Carrington College-Las Vegas competes with other institutions offering similar vocational and healthcare-focused programs in the Las Vegas region and nationally. Key comparisons include: * **Public Community Colleges (e.g., College of Southern Nevada):** These often offer comparable associate degrees (like Nursing or Medical Assisting) at a significantly lower tuition cost. However, Carrington might offer more specialized programs or a more accelerated pace. Public institutions generally have higher graduation rates and broader recognition. * **Other Private For-Profit Colleges (e.g., UEI College, Concorde Career College):** These schools share a similar mission of career training and may offer comparable programs. Differences often lie in specific program accreditations, faculty expertise, career services effectiveness, and tuition fees. Carrington's specific program strengths and local employer relationships would be key differentiators. * **Public Universities (e.g., Nevada State College, University of Nevada, Las Vegas):** These offer broader degree options, including bachelor's and graduate programs, often with a stronger emphasis on research and a more traditional university experience. Their healthcare programs may be more academically rigorous but potentially less focused on immediate vocational skills compared to Carrington. Carrington's niche is its focused, career-entry approach, but potential students should weigh this against the potentially higher cost and lower graduation rates compared to public alternatives.

Employer perception of graduates from Carrington College-Las Vegas is largely tied to the specific program completed and the employer's familiarity with the institution's career services and graduate quality. For healthcare roles in the Las Vegas area, employers like major hospital systems (e.g., Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center, St. Rose Dominican) and local clinics are generally familiar with Carrington due to its focus on training local workforce candidates. They often value graduates who possess the specific technical skills and certifications required for entry-level positions, which is Carrington's primary objective. The success of Carrington graduates often depends on the strength of the college's clinical partnerships and the effectiveness of its career services in placing students. While Carrington may not carry the same broad institutional brand recognition as a large public university, employers in targeted fields like healthcare tend to evaluate graduates based on their demonstrated competencies and readiness for the job, making Carrington a viable source for filling specific workforce needs within the region.