Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,476
74th percentile (60th in CA)
Median Debt
$9,500
8% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.31
Manageable
Sample Size
271
Adequate data

Analysis

Among California's 155 health administration certificate programs, Carrington College-San Leandro occupies solid middle ground—ranking at the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $30,476. While this trails the state's top performers by $10,000-15,000 annually, it comfortably exceeds both the national median ($27,783) and California's median ($26,827) for this credential. The modest debt load of $9,500 translates to a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly four months of their starting salary.

The growth trajectory tells an encouraging story: earnings climb 18% to $35,863 by year four, suggesting graduates successfully navigate into higher-paying administrative roles over time. Combined with below-average debt for this field, the program delivers reasonable value for students seeking quick workforce entry. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't flukes—this reflects consistent outcomes.

For families weighing options, this represents a pragmatic choice rather than an exceptional one. Your child won't match the earnings of Santa Barbara City College graduates, but they'll enter the workforce with minimal debt and reasonable income potential in California's healthcare sector. Given that 59% of students here receive Pell grants, the program clearly serves as a viable pathway for working-class families seeking healthcare credentials without crippling debt.

Where Carrington College-San Leandro Campus Stands

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

Carrington College-San Leandro CampusOther health and medical administrative 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 Leandro Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Carrington College-San Leandro Campus graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 74th percentile of all health and medical administrative 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

Health and Medical Administrative Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (155 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Carrington College-San Leandro Campus$30,476$35,863$9,5000.31
Santa Barbara City College$47,046—$18,7280.40
North-West College-Van Nuys$40,938$26,924$9,5000.23
Unitek College$34,441—$9,5000.28
American Career College-Anaheim$32,682$32,524$9,5000.29
American Career College-Los Angeles$32,682$32,524$9,5000.29
National Median$27,783—$10,3720.37

Other Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara
$1,234$47,046$18,728
North-West College-Van Nuys
Van Nuys
—$40,938$9,500
Unitek College
Fremont
—$34,441$9,500
American Career College-Anaheim
Anaheim
—$32,682$9,500
American Career College-Los Angeles
Los Angeles
—$32,682$9,500

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 Leandro Campus, approximately 59% 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 271 graduates with reported earnings and 390 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.