Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,666
25th percentile (40th in CA)
Median Debt
$20,000
41% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.52
Manageable
Sample Size
115
Adequate data

Analysis

North-West College-Riverside graduates earn below California's already modest standards for allied health certificates, placing in just the 40th percentile statewide. With first-year earnings of $38,666 declining to $37,214 by year four, graduates fall roughly $4,000 short of California's median and nearly $7,000 below the national benchmark. The contrast with California's top performers is stark—Crafton Hills College graduates earn triple what North-West College grads make, suggesting significant variation in career outcomes even within the same credential type.

The $20,000 debt load appears reasonable on paper, especially given that 63% of students receive Pell grants. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates face manageable monthly payments. However, the earnings decline over time raises questions about career trajectory. Are graduates stuck in entry-level positions while peers advance? The robust sample size confirms this pattern isn't a statistical fluke.

For families considering this program, the fundamental issue isn't affordability—it's opportunity cost. At below-average earnings that actually decrease with experience, this certificate may not open the doors you're expecting in California's competitive allied health market. Before committing, investigate exactly which positions these graduates enter and why their earnings lag behind both state and national peers in the same field.

Where North-West College-Riverside Stands

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

North-West College-RiversideOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How North-West College-Riverside graduates compare to all programs nationally

North-West College-Riverside graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 25th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (112 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
North-West College-Riverside$38,666$37,214$20,0000.52
Crafton Hills College$117,351$76,522$23,0000.20
Loma Linda University$90,583$99,255$25,0000.28
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD$88,513———
Los Angeles Valley College$82,599———
Merced College$78,871—$11,1500.14
National Median$45,746—$14,1670.31

Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Crafton Hills College
Yucaipa
$1,188$117,351$23,000
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda
—$90,583$25,000
Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD
Concord
—$88,513—
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen
$1,238$82,599—
Merced College
Merced
$1,194$78,871$11,150

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-Riverside, approximately 63% 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 115 graduates with reported earnings and 125 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.