Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Coalinga College

Coalinga College's Mental and Social Health Services program reports first-year earnings of $72,116—more than double both the national median ($32,928) and California state median ($35,338) for similar associate's programs. Only one other California school, nearby Lemoore College, achieves comparable outcomes in this field. While debt figures are estimated from peer institutions nationally at around $17,594, the earning power here would make that burden manageable, with graduates potentially earning more than four times their debt in the first year alone.

What makes this outcome remarkable is how rare it is. Among 349 programs nationally offering this associate's degree, only a handful break $70,000 in first-year earnings. The typical graduate in this field earns $32,928, suggesting most work in entry-level social services roles. Coalinga's graduates appear to be accessing either specialized positions, union jobs, or markets with acute workforce shortages—something worth investigating directly with the school's career services office.

The caveat: with debt figures estimated rather than reported, it's possible Coalinga students carry different loan burdens than the national average suggests. However, even if actual debt were 50% higher than estimated, the earnings trajectory would still support repayment. For families comfortable with community college programs in health services, this represents one of California's strongest outcomes—but confirm the career pathways that lead to these earnings before enrolling.