Carrington College-Mesa

The median earnings of $36,718 after 10 years, compared to a median debt of $9,500, suggest a modest return on investment. Prospective students should carefully evaluate program-specific costs and potential career outcomes.

The graduation rate at Carrington College-Mesa is 53.5%.

Students at Carrington College-Mesa typically graduate with a median debt of $9,500.

The median earnings for Carrington College-Mesa graduates 10 years after entry are $36,718.

The admission rate is not available, so selectivity cannot be determined from the provided data.

Carrington College-Mesa, like many private for-profit institutions, does not typically publish a traditional 'acceptance rate' in the same way that four-year public universities do. Admission is generally based on meeting specific program prerequisites, such as having a high school diploma or GED, and potentially passing entrance exams or interviews relevant to the chosen field of study. The focus is often on ensuring students have the foundational skills to succeed in their vocational training. While not highly selective in terms of academic scores, prospective students should be prepared to demonstrate their commitment and aptitude for the program. It's advisable to contact the admissions office directly for the most accurate information on program requirements and the application process. They can provide details on any specific academic benchmarks or assessments required for entry into programs like nursing, medical assisting, or dental assisting.

Determining if Carrington College-Mesa is 'worth the money' requires a careful cost-benefit analysis. The median 10-year earnings of $36,718 are modest, and while the median debt of $9,500 is relatively low, it's crucial to compare this to the actual tuition costs, which are not publicly disclosed but are typically substantial for private for-profit schools. If tuition for a program is, for example, $20,000-$30,000, the debt payoff timeline could extend beyond a few years, impacting disposable income. The graduation rate of 53.5% also suggests that a significant portion of students do not complete their programs, which represents a loss of both time and money. While Carrington aims to provide direct career training, the moderate earnings suggest that the return on investment may not be as high as some other educational pathways, such as state universities or community colleges offering similar vocational programs at a lower cost. Students should thoroughly research program-specific outcomes and compare costs with alternative institutions before enrolling.

Carrington College-Mesa primarily offers programs in healthcare and technical fields, which are often in demand. Based on typical offerings at Carrington campuses, strong programs likely include Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and potentially Nursing (e.g., LPN or RN pathways, depending on campus offerings). These fields generally have consistent job openings in the Phoenix metropolitan area. For instance, Medical Assisting graduates can find roles in physician offices, clinics, and hospitals. Dental Assisting graduates are sought after by dental practices. The 'best' major depends on individual career aspirations and local market demand. Prospective students should investigate which specific programs have the highest placement rates and lead to the most stable, well-compensated positions within the Mesa and Phoenix job market. It's recommended to speak with program advisors about current industry trends and employer feedback for each specific program.

Student life at Carrington College-Mesa is likely to be focused and career-oriented, characteristic of a private for-profit institution. Given its size and program structure, the campus environment is probably less about traditional college experiences like extensive extracurricular clubs, large sporting events, or a vibrant social scene, and more about academic rigor and preparation for the workforce. Students are likely to be adults balancing education with work and family responsibilities. The campus may offer student support services, such as academic advising and career counseling, which are integral to the student experience. Interactions among students will likely revolve around coursework, study groups, and shared career goals. While there might be some organized student activities or events, the primary focus remains on program completion and securing employment post-graduation. The Mesa location offers access to the broader Phoenix area for off-campus entertainment and activities.

Carrington College-Mesa, as a private for-profit institution, primarily relies on federal financial aid programs for its students. This typically includes Federal Pell Grants (for eligible undergraduate students with financial need), Federal Direct Student Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), and potentially Federal Direct PLUS Loans for parents or graduate students. Many students also utilize state-specific financial aid programs if available in Arizona. The college's financial aid office is responsible for assisting students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and determining their eligibility for various aid packages. While the college itself may not offer extensive institutional scholarships or grants, the total amount of financial aid a student receives will depend on their individual financial circumstances, program costs, and enrollment status. It is crucial for prospective students to meet with the financial aid advisors to understand the full scope of aid options and the total cost of attendance after aid is applied.

The median earnings for Carrington College-Mesa graduates over a 10-year period are reported as $36,718. This figure represents an average across all programs and graduates. Actual salaries can vary significantly based on the specific program of study, geographic location of employment, and individual experience. For instance, graduates from healthcare programs like Medical Assisting or Dental Assisting in the Mesa/Phoenix area might expect entry-level salaries ranging from $30,000 to $45,000 annually, depending on the employer and specific role. Graduates from more advanced programs, if offered, could potentially earn higher starting salaries. It's important to note that this median figure is an average over a decade, implying that earnings may increase with experience. Prospective students should inquire about program-specific employment and salary data from the college's career services department or alumni relations to get a more precise understanding of earning potential for their chosen field.

Carrington College-Mesa, like many vocational and career-focused institutions, does not typically offer on-campus housing or dormitories. The focus is generally on providing academic and career training, with students expected to arrange their own living accommodations. This is common for private for-profit colleges that operate primarily as commuter campuses. Students attending Carrington College-Mesa would need to secure off-campus housing in the Mesa area or surrounding Phoenix communities. This means students are responsible for finding apartments, shared housing, or other rental options. The college's student services might offer resources or guidance on finding off-campus housing, such as lists of available rentals or advice on navigating the local rental market, but they do not provide the housing facilities themselves.

Carrington College-Mesa is not primarily designed as a research institution. Its model as a private for-profit college focuses on providing career-specific vocational training and preparing students for direct entry into the workforce. Research opportunities, particularly in the academic sense involving extensive scholarly inquiry, faculty-led projects, or graduate-level research, are generally not a core component of its educational offerings. The emphasis is on practical skills, clinical rotations, and hands-on training relevant to immediate employment. While students will engage in learning and problem-solving within their coursework, and may participate in applied learning projects, these are typically not framed as formal research opportunities. Students seeking a strong research-intensive academic experience would likely find more suitable options at traditional four-year universities with dedicated research programs and facilities.

Carrington College-Mesa competes with other private for-profit vocational schools and public community colleges in the Phoenix metropolitan area that offer similar healthcare and technical programs. Competitors might include institutions like Apollo College-Phoenix or Arizona College of Nursing-Mesa for healthcare-specific training. Public community colleges such as GateWay Community College or Scottsdale Community College also offer associate degrees and certificates in related fields, often at a significantly lower tuition cost. Carrington's potential advantages over community colleges might lie in more accelerated program timelines or a more specialized focus on specific employer needs. However, community colleges often boast higher graduation rates, more comprehensive student support services, and a lower overall cost, making them a strong competitor in terms of value. Private for-profit schools like Carrington may offer more direct career services and employer connections within their niche, but this often comes at a higher price point and potentially lower perceived value by some employers compared to degrees from public institutions.

Employer perception of a degree or certificate from Carrington College-Mesa is likely to be mixed and highly dependent on the specific industry and employer. For healthcare roles, particularly in the Mesa and Phoenix area, employers such as Banner Health, Dignity Health, and local clinics often value practical skills and certifications that align with their immediate needs. Carrington's focus on vocational training means graduates may possess the specific competencies employers are looking for in entry-level positions like medical assistants or dental assistants. However, some larger healthcare systems or more academically oriented employers might view degrees from private for-profit institutions with more scrutiny compared to those from accredited community colleges or universities. The brand recognition of Carrington College is generally tied to its vocational training model. Employers who prioritize hands-on skills and quick workforce integration may view Carrington graduates favorably, while those seeking candidates with a broader academic foundation or from more established institutions might have different expectations. Networking and internship experiences gained through Carrington will play a significant role in employer perception.