Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Carrington College-San Jose
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrington College-San Jose | $32,311 | $33,100 | $9,126 | 0.28 |
| Empire College | $40,838 | $41,628 | $13,213 | 0.32 |
| Bay Area Medical Academy | $38,505 | $52,333 | $9,139 | 0.24 |
| Charles A Jones Career and Education Center | $38,064 | — | $4,730 | 0.12 |
| Cabrillo College | $37,279 | $45,575 | — | — |
| Unitek College | $34,873 | $31,360 | $8,409 | 0.24 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.