Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at InterCoast Colleges-Fairfield

InterCoast Colleges-Fairfield graduates earn $31,812 four years out—about $5,000 more than the typical California medical assisting program. While that might sound modest, it matters in a crowded field where 185 California schools compete for students, and this program lands in the 60th percentile statewide. The gap with top performers is significant (Empire College graduates earn $40,838), but InterCoast's $9,500 debt load represents just one-third of first-year earnings, which is manageable compared to many certificate programs.

The earnings trajectory here is straightforward: graduates start at $27,880 and see steady 14% growth over four years. That's not explosive, but it's consistent upward movement in a field known for stability rather than rapid advancement. With nearly half of students qualifying for Pell grants, the program appears to serve students who need affordable entry into healthcare work without taking on crushing debt.

For an anxious parent, this is a reasonable bet if your child needs quick entry into the workforce and can't afford a longer degree program. The debt is contained, the earnings beat state and national medians, and the job market for medical assistants remains strong. Just recognize you're paying for speed and accessibility, not prestige—there are significantly higher-earning options in California if your child can invest more time or money upfront.