Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,311
84th percentile (60th in CA)
Median Debt
$9,126
4% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28
Manageable
Sample Size
742
Adequate data

Analysis

Carrington College-San Jose delivers solid value in allied health training, with graduates earning $32,311 in their first year—substantially above both national ($27,186) and California ($26,897) medians for this program. While it ranks in the 84th percentile nationally, it sits more modestly at the 60th percentile within California's competitive market, where top programs like Empire College and Bay Area Medical Academy produce graduates earning $38,000-$41,000 annually.

The debt picture is reasonable at $9,126, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 that allows graduates to pay off loans relatively quickly. However, the minimal earnings growth from year one to four (+2%) suggests this field offers steady but limited advancement potential, making the program better suited for students seeking immediate employment rather than long-term career growth.

For families prioritizing quick entry into healthcare with manageable debt, this program delivers on its promise. The 49% Pell Grant rate indicates the school serves working-class students well, and the robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes. While you won't see dramatic salary increases over time, graduates enter a stable field with earnings that exceed most certificate programs and debt that won't become a burden.

Where Carrington College-San Jose Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally

Carrington College-San JoseOther allied health and medical assisting services 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-San Jose graduates compare to all programs nationally

Carrington College-San Jose graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 84th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services 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 and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (185 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Carrington College-San Jose$32,311$33,100$9,1260.28
Empire College$40,838$41,628$13,2130.32
Bay Area Medical Academy$38,505$52,333$9,1390.24
Charles A Jones Career and Education Center$38,064—$4,7300.12
Cabrillo College$37,279$45,575——
Unitek College$34,873$31,360$8,4090.24
National Median$27,186—$9,5000.35

Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Empire College
Santa Rosa
—$40,838$13,213
Bay Area Medical Academy
San Francisco
—$38,505$9,139
Charles A Jones Career and Education Center
Sacramento
—$38,064$4,730
Cabrillo College
Aptos
$1,270$37,279—
Unitek College
South San Francisco
—$34,873$8,409

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-San Jose, approximately 49% 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 742 graduates with reported earnings and 927 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.