Median Earnings (1yr)
$100,724
95th percentile
Median Debt
$20,250
25% below national median

Analysis

Cal State Northridge graduates in this allied health program earn more than triple California's median for the field—$100,724 versus $32,166—placing them in the 95th percentile statewide. Even more impressive, they carry just $20,250 in debt, meaning the typical graduate earns five times what they owe within their first year of work. At a school where 93% of applicants are admitted and more than half receive Pell grants, these outcomes represent exceptional access to a high-earning field.

The slight earnings dip to $97,379 by year four shouldn't alarm parents—these figures likely reflect graduates entering specialized allied health careers that start strong and plateau quickly, which is common in diagnostic and treatment roles. What matters is that even four years out, these graduates far outpace both the national median ($60,447) and California's median by nearly threefold. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally as well, competing with schools that carry far more competitive admissions and higher price tags.

For families seeking affordable access to healthcare careers with immediate earning power, this program delivers. The combination of manageable debt, exceptional starting salaries, and an open-admission policy makes it one of California's best values in allied health training.

Where California State University-Northridge Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How California State University-Northridge graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
California State University-Northridge$100,724$97,379-3%
National University$92,748$101,494+9%
Loma Linda University$92,363$77,459-16%
California State University-Fresno$34,810$59,851+72%
Point Loma Nazarene University$29,523$56,618+92%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (30 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge$7,095$100,724$97,379$20,2500.20
San Joaquin Valley College-VisaliaVisalia$93,239$28,3000.30
National UniversitySan Diego$13,320$92,748$101,494
Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda$92,363$77,459$29,5140.32
Smith Chason CollegeLos Angeles$19,100$50,199
California State University-FresnoFresno$6,980$34,810$59,851
National Median$60,447$27,0000.45

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 California State University-Northridge, approximately 56% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.