Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at ATA College

ATA College's medical assisting program charges relatively little—just $6,220 in median debt, well below the $9,500 state and national averages—but the earnings tell a more sobering story. At $23,338 in the first year, graduates earn about $3,500 less than the typical California medical assisting graduate and land in just the 17th percentile nationally. While this program sits at the 40th percentile among California schools (middle of the pack for the state), several community colleges and vocational programs nearby deliver substantially better outcomes, with top performers placing graduates at over $38,000.

The modest debt load does create some cushion—your child would only owe about 3 months' salary, which is manageable. Earnings do grow to $27,837 by year four, a 19% increase that brings graduates closer to state norms. However, starting $15,000 behind the state's best programs means playing catch-up for years. Given that 78% of students here receive Pell grants, many families are price-sensitive, and the lower debt makes sense in that context.

For families who can access community colleges like Cabrillo or specialized schools with stronger placement records, those alternatives would likely deliver better returns. If cost is the primary constraint and this is the most accessible option, the debt burden won't be crushing—but expect below-average starting wages in an already modestly-paid field.