Location: Merced, CA•In-State Tuition: $1,194•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,154
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$62,420
Est. from CA median (40 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,000
Est. from CA median (5 programs)

Analysis

Similar allied health programs across California suggest graduates earn around $62,000 in their first year—a solid starting point that exceeds the national median for this credential by about $8,000. The estimated debt load of $12,000 is notably lighter than both California's typical burden ($24,000) and the national median ($19,000), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 that looks manageable by any standard.

That said, the range among California community colleges is striking. Top performers like Foothill and Canada College report first-year earnings above $100,000, likely reflecting specific certifications or specializations within allied health that command premium salaries. Without knowing which specific allied health track Merced emphasizes—whether it's respiratory therapy, diagnostic imaging, surgical technology, or another specialty—it's hard to assess where this program truly lands in that spectrum.

The lower debt estimate is encouraging, especially for the third of students receiving Pell grants who need to minimize financial risk. But before committing, verify exactly which certifications or licenses this program leads to and what those specific credentials earn in the Central Valley job market. Allied health is broad, and the difference between specialties can mean a $40,000 gap in starting salary. Ask the department directly about placement rates and what their recent graduates actually do—that concrete information matters more than statewide averages when you're making this decision.

Where Merced College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates's programs nationally

Merced College (estimated ±10%)Other allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in California (109 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Merced CollegeMerced$1,194$62,420*—$12,000*—
Foothill CollegeLos Altos Hills$1,565$107,048*$133,485$12,000*0.11
Canada CollegeRedwood City$1,332$106,691*—$15,000*0.14
American River CollegeSacramento$1,288$100,258*——*—
Mt San Antonio CollegeWalnut$1,364$88,132*$82,800$9,000*0.10
Los Angeles Valley CollegeValley Glen$1,238$80,602*$63,168—*—
National Median—$54,327*—$19,113*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 Merced College, approximately 33% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 40 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.