Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,261
95th percentile (95th in CA)
Median Debt
$20,000
41% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.29
Manageable
Sample Size
75
Adequate data

Analysis

Carrington College-Sacramento's allied health program graduates earn $68,261 in their first year—more than most California households make and significantly above both the state median ($41,066) and national median ($45,746) for similar programs. This places the program in the 95th percentile both statewide and nationally, a rare achievement that justifies the $20,000 in typical debt. For context, graduates are earning more than three times their debt load within their first year, well above the danger threshold that makes loans difficult to manage.

The main concern is the earnings trajectory: graduates see income drop to $60,956 by year four, an 11% decline. This likely reflects the realities of allied health careers rather than program quality—initial certifications may lead to entry roles with limited advancement without additional credentials. However, even at year four, graduates still earn nearly $20,000 more than the state median for their field. That premium persists even as some peers at community colleges like Crafton Hills achieve higher outcomes, suggesting Carrington delivers competitive preparation despite being a for-profit institution.

For families looking at allied health careers, this program offers strong early earning potential at manageable debt levels. The tuition premium over public alternatives buys faster credential completion and immediate job placement, though long-term growth may require pursuing additional certifications down the line.

Where Carrington College-Sacramento Stands

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

Carrington College-SacramentoOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Carrington College-Sacramento graduates compare to all programs nationally

Carrington College-Sacramento graduates earn $68k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (112 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Carrington College-Sacramento$68,261$60,956$20,0000.29
Crafton Hills College$117,351$76,522$23,0000.20
Loma Linda University$90,583$99,255$25,0000.28
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD$88,513
Los Angeles Valley College$82,599
Merced College$78,871$11,1500.14
National Median$45,746$14,1670.31

Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Crafton Hills College
Yucaipa
$1,188$117,351$23,000
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda
$90,583$25,000
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD
Concord
$88,513
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen
$1,238$82,599
Merced College
Merced
$1,194$78,871$11,150

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 Carrington College-Sacramento, 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 75 graduates with reported earnings and 84 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.