Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Associated Technical College-Los Angeles

This program ranks in the bottom 10% of California medical assisting programs for a reason: graduates earn roughly $27,000 less annually than the state median. While the $9,500 debt load is manageable in absolute terms, it's mismatched against earnings that barely clear minimum wage. First-year graduates make just $16,782—not only 38% below California's median for this field, but also well below what many retail jobs offer in the Los Angeles area. Even four years out, median earnings only reach $18,257.

The comparison to other California programs is stark. Empire College graduates earn $40,838 within their first year—more than double what Associated Technical College-Los Angeles students achieve after four years. Even community colleges like Cabrillo deliver dramatically better outcomes. With 62% of students receiving Pell grants, this program is serving a vulnerable population who can't afford underwhelming results in an already tight labor market.

If your child is interested in medical assisting, California offers nearly 200 programs to choose from. This one belongs at the bottom of your list. The modest debt won't ruin anyone's life, but the opportunity cost of spending time here rather than at a program with proven placement into better-paying positions makes this a poor investment.