Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Monterey Peninsula College

Similar allied health programs across California suggest first-year earnings around $49,000 against an estimated $14,000 in debt—a workable 0.29 ratio that puts this program in reasonable financial territory. That debt load is notably lower than the $19,000 median for comparable California programs, which matters when you're entering a field where earnings growth depends more on additional certifications and specializations than on your starting credential alone.

The $49,000 earnings estimate aligns with California's state median for these programs, though it's worth noting that top performers in the state produce graduates earning $60,000+. That gap likely reflects differences in specific concentrations (surgical tech versus medical assistant, for example) and location—medical support roles in high-cost coastal areas can command premium salaries. Without knowing which specific allied health track Monterey Peninsula offers or where their graduates actually work, it's difficult to know whether this program positions students for the higher end of that range.

The fundamentals look sound: modest debt paired with solid earning potential in a growing healthcare sector. But the heavy reliance on state-level estimates means you're betting on this program performing at least as well as its peers. Before enrolling, pin down exactly which allied health credential this program provides and research typical salaries for that specific role in the Monterey-Salinas area or wherever your child plans to work after graduation.