Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos

This program charges a premium price but delivers mixed results. While Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos ranks in the 80th percentile nationally for earnings, it falls to just the 40th percentile among California programs—meaning half of similar programs in the state produce higher-earning graduates. With median debt of $27,292 compared to the state average of $19,000, students are paying significantly more for what appears to be middle-of-the-pack performance within California.

The numbers tell a concerning story about value. Starting salaries of $44,175 are solid nationally but lag behind California's median of $48,908 for this field. More troubling is the minimal 3% earnings growth over four years, suggesting limited advancement potential. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 isn't catastrophic, but when you can get similar or better outcomes at lower cost elsewhere in California, this program looks expensive.

For anxious parents, the key insight is that you're paying private school prices for outcomes that underperform the California market. The top programs in the state produce graduates earning $60,000+ with often lower debt loads. Unless geographic convenience is paramount, California families should explore the many programs that deliver better earnings at lower cost—this one ranks as an underwhelming investment in a state with stronger alternatives.