Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at American Career College-Los Angeles

American Career College-Los Angeles graduates earn significantly more than the national average for medical assisting programs—ranking in the 93rd percentile nationally—but that strong showing looks different when zoomed into California's competitive market. At $48,908 first-year earnings, graduates match the state median exactly, landing squarely in the 60th percentile among California programs. The $27,000 debt load runs about $8,000 above the state median, making this a premium-priced option for middle-of-the-pack state performance.

The bigger concern is what happens after that first paycheck: earnings drop 14% by year four to $41,837. This isn't the typical career trajectory parents hope for with an associate degree. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 remains manageable in absolute terms, you're essentially paying top-tier California prices to land in the middle of California outcomes. The top programs in the state—like Carrington College's Sacramento campus at $61,881—deliver $13,000 more in first-year earnings for similar credentials.

For families where affordability matters most (59% of students here receive Pell grants), this creates a real dilemma: the program delivers reliably above-average national results, but California students have access to stronger options at comparable or lower cost. If this school offers better location convenience or scheduling flexibility, the premium might make sense. Otherwise, comparison shopping within California could yield better value.