Health and Medical Administrative Services at North-West College-Van Nuys

North-West College-Van Nuys students start strong—their $40,938 first-year earnings put them ahead of 95% of medical administrative programs both nationally and across California. With modest debt of $9,500, graduates initially enjoy solid returns. But there's a significant catch: by year four, earnings drop to $26,924, a 34% decline that erases much of the program's early advantage. While small sample sizes (under 30 graduates) mean individual circumstances heavily influence these numbers, the earnings trajectory deserves attention.

This pattern suggests graduates may start in higher-paying roles but struggle to maintain those positions, perhaps due to job turnover or difficulty translating the certificate into career advancement. The Van Nuys campus trails other North-West College locations and top California performers like Santa Barbara City College ($47,046), indicating the program's outcomes aren't consistent across the state. Given that 53% of students receive Pell grants, many families are counting on this credential to deliver lasting economic mobility.

The manageable debt keeps this from being a high-risk investment, but the earnings drop raises questions about long-term career prospects. If your child pursues this path, they should plan for aggressive skill-building and networking during those crucial first years to buck the trend. The initial placement success shows the program can open doors—the challenge is helping graduates stay in well-paying roles.