Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at North-West College-Glendale
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
nw.eduAnalysis
North-West College-Glendale's Allied Health program starts graduates at $30,358โwell above both the national median ($27,186) and California's median ($26,897) for similar programs. This performance places it in the 71st percentile nationally and 60th percentile within California, making it a solid choice among the 185 programs available in the state. The debt load of $9,500 is exactly at national and state medians, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31.
However, the program shows a troubling pattern: earnings actually decline slightly from year one to year four, dropping to $29,979. This stagnation contrasts with most career paths where experience typically leads to higher pay. While graduates still earn more than typical program completers after four years, the lack of growth suggests limited advancement opportunities in this field.
The bottom line is straightforward: this program delivers above-average starting salaries with manageable debt, but your child shouldn't expect significant income growth over time. For students seeking quick entry into healthcare support roles with reasonable financial risk, it's a decent option. However, those hoping for substantial career advancement might want to consider longer programs that offer clearer paths to higher-paying positions in healthcare.
Where North-West College-Glendale Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How North-West College-Glendale graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| North-West College-Glendale | $30,358 | $29,979 | -1% |
| Bay Area Medical Academy | $38,505 | $52,333 | +36% |
| Cabrillo College | $37,279 | $45,575 | +22% |
| Empire College | $40,838 | $41,628 | +2% |
| Unitek College | $32,827 | $37,061 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (185 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| โ | $30,358 | $29,979 | $9,500 | 0.31 | |
| โ | $40,838 | $41,628 | $13,213 | 0.32 | |
| โ | $38,505 | $52,333 | $9,139 | 0.24 | |
| โ | $38,064 | โ | $4,730 | 0.12 | |
| $1,270 | $37,279 | $45,575 | โ | โ | |
| โ | $34,873 | $31,360 | $8,409 | 0.24 | |
| National Median | โ | $27,186 | โ | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
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 North-West College-Glendale, approximately 56% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 335 graduates with reported earnings and 387 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.