Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at InterCoast Colleges-Riverside

InterCoast Colleges-Riverside sits squarely in the middle of California's mental health associate programs, matching the state median for earnings at $35,338 in the first year and $41,319 by year four. While this beats the national average by about $2,400 and places in the 60th percentile statewide, the gap between this program and California's top performers is striking—community colleges like Coalinga and Lemoore are producing graduates who earn nearly double. The debt load of $23,066 is average for California but higher than the national benchmark, resulting in a reasonable but not exceptional debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65.

The 17% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates gain traction in the field, which is encouraging for a profession that typically requires building experience and credentials. With 59% of students receiving Pell grants, InterCoast serves a population for whom this program could provide meaningful economic mobility—just not at the accelerated pace of California's top-performing schools.

For parents considering this program, recognize you're paying slightly above-national debt for solidly middle-of-the-pack California outcomes. The degree will likely open doors in mental health support roles, but geographic location matters significantly in this field. If your student has access to one of California's community college alternatives, those often deliver similar or better outcomes at lower cost.