DegreeCalc

Education Degree in Los Angeles, CA — Salary & ROI 2026

Education degree analysis for Los Angeles, CA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$0

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$0

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

N/A

in Los Angeles

Cost of Living

141

index (100 = avg)

Education in Los Angeles, CA Overview

Los Angeles is one of California's top college towns, with 69 institutions and a student population of 322,771. Public tuition averages $13,804/year here — near the national average for public universities. Education enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in . The adjusted starting salary in Los Angeles is approximately $0.

Category

Education

Local Colleges

69

Public Tuition

$13,804/yr

Private Tuition

$59,151/yr

Room & Board

$17,998/yr

Avg Fin. Aid

$8,255/yr

Unemployment

3.4%

Graduation Rate

47%

Education Salary in Los Angeles (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living index of 141 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$0(+$0 vs national)
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
$0(+$0 vs national)
Senior Level (15+ yrs)
$0(+$0 vs national)

Note: National average Education salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Los Angeles adjustment factor: 1.41x based on the local cost of living index.

Education ROI Calculator for Los Angeles

Estimate your return on investment for a Education degree using local Los Angeles tuition and cost of living data.

Public avg: $13,804 | Private avg: $59,151

Los Angeles avg aid: $8,255/yr

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$127,208

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$-49,350

vs HS diploma in Los Angeles

ROI Payback Period

N/A

to break even

Lifetime Return in Los Angeles

$-127,208

Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($127,208)

Student Loan Payoff for Education in Los Angeles

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$127,208
Monthly Payment$1,444
Total Interest$46,123
% of Monthly IncomeInfinity%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$127,208
Monthly Payment$2,489
Total Interest$22,130
Interest Savings$23,992

Colleges in Los Angeles for Education

UCLA

public

$13,804/yr

$55,216 total

USC

private

$63,468/yr

$253,872 total

Loyola Marymount University

private

$54,834/yr

$219,336 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Los Angeles City College

$1,540/yr

Santa Monica College

$1,540/yr

Top Employers for Education in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers opportunities in School districts, Universities, EdTech companies for Education graduates. National top employers in this field include:

Key Los Angeles Hiring Sectors for Education

School districts

Universities

EdTech companies

Non-profits

Training organizations

Common Education Job Titles

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Education degree outcomes in Los Angeles, CA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

  1. Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Education programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for California.
  2. Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Los Angeles using regional CPI data.
  3. 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
  4. Job market outlook for Education graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
  5. Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Los Angeles Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), California students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (California)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Education Degree in Los Angeles — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Education ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Los Angeles.

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