Health and Medical Administrative Services at American Career College-Anaheim
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
American Career College-Anaheim punches above its weight nationally—graduates earn $32,682 right out of the gate, putting them in the 87th percentile compared to similar programs nationwide. That's nearly $5,000 more than the typical health administration certificate program produces. The $9,500 in debt is manageable at roughly 3.5 months of earnings, and 60% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully serves students who need it most.
The California picture adds nuance. At the 60th percentile statewide, this program sits comfortably above the state median of $26,827 but trails the top performers by considerable margins—Santa Barbara City College graduates, for instance, earn $47,000. Still, American Career College matches its Los Angeles campus and competes well with other private career colleges in the state. The real concern is earnings flatness: graduates make essentially the same $32,500 whether they're one year or four years into their careers, suggesting limited advancement without additional credentials.
For families considering this program, it's a solid entry point into healthcare administration with minimal debt risk. Your child will likely earn more than peers from most certificate programs nationwide, though advancement may require moving into a different role or pursuing further education. Given the strong Pell grant support and low debt burden, this works particularly well for students who need to start earning quickly while keeping educational costs contained.
Where American Career College-Anaheim Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How American Career College-Anaheim graduates compare to all programs nationally
American Career College-Anaheim graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 87th percentile of all health and medical administrative services certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Health and Medical Administrative Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (155 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Career College-Anaheim | $32,682 | $32,524 | $9,500 | 0.29 |
| Santa Barbara City College | $47,046 | — | $18,728 | 0.40 |
| North-West College-Van Nuys | $40,938 | $26,924 | $9,500 | 0.23 |
| Unitek College | $34,441 | — | $9,500 | 0.28 |
| American Career College-Los Angeles | $32,682 | $32,524 | $9,500 | 0.29 |
| North-West College-West Covina | $32,292 | $27,617 | $9,500 | 0.29 |
| National Median | $27,783 | — | $10,372 | 0.37 |
Other Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara City College Santa Barbara | $1,234 | $47,046 | $18,728 |
| North-West College-Van Nuys Van Nuys | — | $40,938 | $9,500 |
| Unitek College Fremont | — | $34,441 | $9,500 |
| American Career College-Los Angeles Los Angeles | — | $32,682 | $9,500 |
| North-West College-West Covina West Covina | — | $32,292 | $9,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At American Career College-Anaheim, approximately 60% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 237 graduates with reported earnings and 262 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.