Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Cabrillo College

Cabrillo College's graduates earn $37,279 in their first year—substantially better than the $26,897 median for allied health certificate programs across California. While the debt figure of $7,001 comes from comparable California programs rather than Cabrillo's own reported data, that estimate sits well below both the state and national median of $9,500. Even if actual debt runs higher, the 0.19 debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment.

The four-year trajectory is equally promising. Earnings climb to $45,575, a 22% increase that reflects real career progression rather than stagnation. This positions Cabrillo's program among the top performers statewide—comparable to private institutions like Empire College and Bay Area Medical Academy but presumably at community college tuition rates. That cost advantage matters significantly when you're looking at a certificate program designed for quick workforce entry.

The limitation is clear: without Cabrillo's actual debt data, you can't know for certain what your child will borrow. But the earnings performance is strong enough that even if debt exceeds the estimate, the program likely remains financially viable. Community college certificate programs typically involve less borrowing than their private counterparts, and the demonstrated earnings outcomes here suggest the training translates effectively into good jobs.