Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions at North-West College-West Covina

This program's graduates earn substantially below what optometric support professionals typically make in California—landing at just the 25th percentile statewide. At $22,381 in the first year, these earnings sit more than $6,000 below the state median of $28,648, and about 30% below what graduates from nearby American Career College-Ontario earn. The modest 11% earnings growth to $24,872 by year four doesn't close this gap meaningfully.

The low debt load of $8,444 provides some cushion, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.38. However, that's little comfort when the absolute earnings are this low—graduates are still starting at wages that may barely cover basic living expenses in the West Covina area. The fact that 62% of students receive Pell grants suggests many come from low-income backgrounds and need programs that deliver clear economic mobility, not marginal gains.

Important caveat: This data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. Still, when other California schools in this field consistently produce graduates earning 15-45% more, parents should seriously question why this program underperforms. For a certificate program specifically designed for job placement, starting earnings in the bottom quarter of the state is a red flag worth investigating before enrolling.