Unitek College Makes History as California's Only Private Institution in Top 25 ROI Rankings

Unitek College's Remarkable Recognition in Golden Returns Study

Unitek College, located in California, has achieved significant recognition by being the only private for-profit institution in the state to rank in the Top 25 list of colleges providing strong return on investment (ROI) for students, according to the recently released Golden Returns study. This prestigious study, conducted by the College Futures Foundation and The HEA Group, evaluated 327 two-year institutions across California, aiming to identify those that enable students to recoup their educational costs effectively.

Strong Performance in the Rankings

The recognition encompasses Unitek College’s two California campuses situated in Hayward and South San Francisco, both of which earned accolades for their strong performance in delivering substantial ROI to students. In an era characterized by rising educational costs, this acknowledgment reflects a commitment to providing students with valuable opportunities to recover their investments quickly.

Jeff Conlon, CEO of Unitek Learning, the parent company of Unitek College, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing that it highlights the success of its graduates. He stated, “When our graduates step into meaningful careers in nursing and healthcare, they not only see a rapid return on their education investment but also play a vital role in strengthening local healthcare systems and addressing California's ongoing nursing shortage.”

Alarming Facts from the Study

The Golden Returns study revealed stark contrasts in ROI among California institutions. Nearly 40% of public colleges, which benefit from state-subsidized tuition, enable students to recuperate their investment in under a year. In comparison, only 5% of private institutions, which do not receive such state support, manage to achieve this standard. Notably, Unitek College emerged as the sole private institution to penetrate the Top 25, with both its campuses making it onto this distinguished list, underlining its effectiveness in providing students with a worthwhile education.

Commitment to Addressing Workforce Shortages

Unitek College's academic offerings in nursing and healthcare have been meticulously designed to tackle critical workforce shortages while ensuring that graduates are thoroughly prepared to enter in-demand fields with encouraging earning potential. This dedication aligns with the growing significance of healthcare professionals in California, especially in light of existing nursing and healthcare system needs.

In conjunction with this recent recognition, Unitek College also achieved an impressive rank from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW), where it was listed as the second-best institution for a ten-year ROI among 4,600 colleges. This accolade further authenticates the exceptional value that Unitek College offers, benefiting its graduates, their families, and the broader community by producing qualified healthcare professionals poised to make a positive impact.

Transparency and Value

The Golden Returns study, which was released in August 2025, serves as a critical tool intended to provide students, families, and policymakers with transparent information regarding which colleges deliver genuine economic value. This invaluable insight encourages prospective students to make informed decisions regarding their educational investments.

About Unitek Learning

Unitek Learning operates as the parent company of leading healthcare education institutions, including Unitek College, Eagle Gate College, Provo College, Brookline College, and Unitek EMT. The organization is dedicated to equipping students with the essential clinical knowledge and practical skills required to thrive in contemporary healthcare environments. Through Unitek Workforce Solutions, they foster partnerships with hospitals and health systems aimed at developing sustainable pipelines for aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals, thereby reinforcing the workforce for years to come.

In summary, Unitek College's entry into California's top private institutions for ROI reflects its dedication to enhancing educational opportunities in the healthcare sector while simultaneously addressing urgent workforce demands.