What is Platt College Known For?
Platt College is known for being a versatile education option, offering a variety of quality programs both online and at its southern California campuses. It is particularly ideal for those interested in the healthcare and veterinary fields, while also featuring programs in graphic design, business management, and information technology.
Enrolling students from across the country, Platt College’s programs well-prepares students for a future career with classes taught by industry experts and a dedicated Career Services department, ensuring success in their fields. Many programs, including all medical/veterinary and graphic design pathways, additionally benefit from in-person science and design laboratories, further equipping students with skills for success in their fields.
Is it legit?
Platt College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), making it a highly reputable institution.
A number of its programs are further authorized by the state of California to train students to earn various specialized licenses – for example, its Criminal Justice curriculum includes students earning Guard Card certificates, administered by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, allowing them to become licensed security guards as a part of the program.
Is it worth it?
Founded in 1985, Platt College boasts thousands of alumni employed across the country in a number of well-known corporations. The continuous commitment of its full-time Career Services department is the cornerstone of the professional success of its students and alumni, dedicated to empowering them across all disciplines to excel in their career pursuits throughout and after their time at Platt College.
Through curated workshops spanning resume refinement and career planning, combined with an efficient job placement process driven by referrals, the school provides a tangible pathway to professional accomplishment.
Platt College vs. Community College
Platt College distinguishes itself from a standard community college through its unparalleled commitment to personalized career success. While tuition may be higher compared to other institutions, these costs are more than justified, as Platt College offers many more focused programs tailored to specific industries, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for immediate entry into their desired fields.
Further, the Career Services department goes above and beyond what a community college could offer, empowering students to secure positions in a number of corporations across the country and streamlining the path to fulfilling employment.
Additionally, for students seeking to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, Platt College offers a number of expedited degree programs – for example, students seeking a degree in Healthcare Administration can complete their education in as little as 15 months, compared to the traditional 4 years of other schools.
Platt College Acceptance Rate
Platt College’s acceptance rate is 100%. Its entrance requirements include a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Cost Per Year
Platt College’s Tuition varies significantly depending on the specific program, with certain bachelor’s programs being as high as $58,000 while other degree programs are as low as $25,000. Regardless of specific program, however, the school offers several helpful financial aid options, including federal loans, work-study, educational opportunity grants, and Pell Grants.
School Catalog
Platt College’s catalog can be found here.
https://plattcollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Platt-2023-Program-Catalog-w.-Addendums-01.24.23.pdf
School Hours
Platt College’s hours for its in-person programs follow those of a typical collegiate institution, with classes being offered 8 AM – 8 PM. Its online classes offer evening options as well, suitable for those seeking flexible hours.
Its Student Services departments are also open 8 AM – 8 PM Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 AM – 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Programs & Courses
Criminal Justice & Law
- Paralegal
- Criminal Justice
Healthcare
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Assisting
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing
- Sonography
Fitness
- Fitness Trainer
Computers & IT & Graphic Design
- Computer Systems Technician
- Web Development
- Graphic Design
- Cyber Security
Campus Locations
Alhambra, CA 1000 South Fremont Ave., Ste A9W, Alhambra, CA 91803
Anaheim, CA 1551 S. Douglass Rd., Anaheim, CA 92806
Ontario, CA 3700 Inland Empire Blvd., Ontario, CA 91764
Riverside, CA 6465 Sycamore Canyon Blvd., Ste 100, Riverside, CA 92507
Financial Aid Services
Several financial aid plans are available to those who enroll. These consist of federal grants, work study programs, and Cal grants. Additionally, Platt College students can accept federal Stafford or PLUS loans. The Financial Aid Department also helps qualified candidates apply for scholarships and private assistance.
Student Services
To support student success, Platt College provides access to a variety of services. For guidance with coursework or employment, tutoring and career services are available. Those who need educational or physical adaptations may contact disability services. Platt College also discloses its policies on safety, vaccinations, credit transfers, and licensure.
Veteran and Military Services
To support student success, Platt College provides access to a variety of services. For guidance with coursework or employment, tutoring and career services are available. Those who need educational or physical adaptations may contact disability services. Platt College also discloses its policies on safety, vaccinations, credit transfers, and licensure.
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Platt College Alhambra is a highly criticized for-profit career school. While it offers accelerated programs in high-demand fields like medical sciences, reviews are sharply polarized, with the most detailed and recent feedback heavily criticizing its cost, educational quality, and post-graduation support.
Overall Score: 3.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Accelerated Programs: The school is praised for its fast-paced, concentrated program structure, which allows students to enter the job market more quickly compared to traditional college tracks. Some alumni suggest this accelerated timeline justifies the high cost, as it saves time.
Specific Program Director/Teacher Quality: Several reviews praise select teachers for being knowledgeable and professional in their fields. One reviewer noted a positive turnaround in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program after a new director was hired, suggesting quality can be inconsistent but high in certain areas.
Focus on Career Skills: The curriculum is seen by some as effective for self-motivated students who appreciate the small class sizes and direct focus on career-relevant skills from day one, rather than general education requirements.
Admissions/Financial Aid Support: A few positive reviews mention helpful staff who assisted them through the application process and connected them to scholarship opportunities, helping to offset the high tuition.
Common Crticisms
Excessive Cost and Debt: This is the most consistent and severe criticism. The Respiratory Therapy program is cited as costing $51,000, which students point out is $20k to $40k more than similar programs at community colleges. Students describe graduating with a “big ass loan to pay off” and not feeling prepared for the salary or job market needed to justify the debt.
Poor Instructional Quality & Retention: Many alumni report that the education itself was poor, stating they “didn’t retain anything” and had to learn the material on their own. Teachers in general classes are accused of simply passing students to maintain enrollment.
Aggressive Enrollment and Misrepresentation: Prospective students complain about being immediately pressured to enroll and feeling like they were receiving a sales pitch rather than guidance. One serious accusation alleges the school lied about receiving FAFSA money and tricked people into taking out private loans.
Credit Transferability Issues: A major complaint is that the credits and degrees are often non-transferable to other institutions, forcing students to start over if they seek a higher degree elsewhere.
Momentum
The momentum is overwhelmingly negative and sustained, despite the age of some reviews. The most intense and detailed criticisms—focusing on the high cost, predatory sales tactics, and feeling unprepared for the workforce—are central themes across the years. Recent reviews confirm that the high cost and poor return on investment (ROI) remain the main points of contention for those who regret attending. The school is a classic example of a for-profit trade school where the promise of a fast career path is frequently overshadowed by the crushing student debt and perceived low value of the education.