Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Pasadena, CA & Los Angeles, CA
When students choose between Pacific Oaks College and The Chicago School At Los Angeles, they're comparing two specialized paths in human services. Both schools focus on psychology-related fields but serve different career trajectories.
Pacific Oaks emphasizes family studies and early childhood education, while Chicago School LA concentrates on clinical psychology. The earnings data shows Chicago School LA graduates typically earn more, but the programs prepare students for fundamentally different roles.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$29,105
federal loans
$20,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$12,485
borrowed by parents
$21,265
borrowed by parents
Pacific Oaks College is predominantly Family & Consumer Sciences-focused, with 39% of graduates in Education fields. The largest programs include Human Development and Family Studies (96 graduates) and Teacher Education (61 graduates).
The Chicago School At Los Angeles concentrates on Psychology, with Psychology General as its primary program (34 graduates annually). This program difference explains the distinct career paths and earning patterns between these institutions.
For students pursuing clinical psychology careers, The Chicago School At Los Angeles delivers higher earnings potential and manageable debt levels despite the competitive admission process. Pacific Oaks offers strength in family studies and early childhood education with comparable total debt and strong earnings premiums for graduates in these fields.
The data slightly favors Chicago School LA for raw earning power, but the right choice depends on your career goals, program interests, and whether you're drawn to clinical psychology versus family and educational services. Both schools serve specialized niches with different definitions of career success.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
