Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at InterCoast Colleges-Rancho Cordova
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
InterCoast Colleges-Rancho Cordova delivers slightly above-average outcomes in a crowded California market for medical assisting programs. At $27,880 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $1,000 more than the typical California program and land in the 60th percentile statewide—respectable positioning among 185 competing schools. The $9,500 in median debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of gross income.
However, context matters here: top California programs produce dramatically better results, with graduates at Empire College and Bay Area Medical Academy earning 40-50% more right out of the gate. The 14% earnings growth to $31,812 by year four suggests steady career progression, but even that improved salary trails what the best programs deliver immediately. For a family weighing options, this program offers an affordable entry point into healthcare with reasonable debt, but students should understand they're choosing a middle-tier outcome in a field where program quality significantly impacts earning potential.
The takeaway: InterCoast provides a financially viable path for students who need accessible training—half of students receive Pell grants—but families should compare carefully against community colleges and higher-performing private programs in their region before committing.
Where InterCoast Colleges-Rancho Cordova 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 InterCoast Colleges-Rancho Cordova graduates compare to all programs nationally
InterCoast Colleges-Rancho Cordova graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 55th 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InterCoast Colleges-Rancho Cordova | $27,880 | $31,812 | $9,500 | 0.34 |
| 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 InterCoast Colleges-Rancho Cordova, approximately 51% 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.