Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at North-West College-Riverside

North-West College-Riverside's medical assisting program delivers slightly above-average earnings with manageable debt, but shows concerning wage stagnation over time. At $28,420 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $1,500 more than the California median and rank in the 60th percentile statewide—a solid but unremarkable performance. The $9,500 debt load is exactly at national and state medians, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33.

The red flag here is the negative earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn less four years out ($27,553) than in their first year. This suggests limited career advancement opportunities in medical assisting roles, which aligns with the field's typically flat wage structure. While some top California programs like Empire College produce graduates earning $40,000+, this program's outcomes are more modest but still viable.

For families prioritizing quick workforce entry with minimal debt, this program works. The relatively low borrowing amount and immediate employment prospects make it accessible, especially for the 63% of students receiving Pell grants. However, parents should understand this is likely a stable but not high-growth career path—your child will probably earn similar wages throughout their career rather than seeing significant increases over time.