Health and Medical Administrative Services at Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos

Pima Medical Institute's health administration certificate program presents a concerning debt scenario despite reasonable earnings performance. While graduates earn slightly above the California median at $28,219 in their first year—placing the program in the 60th percentile statewide—the debt burden tells a troubling story. At $8,708, student debt falls in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning this program saddles students with more debt than 95% of similar programs across the country.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 means graduates typically owe about 4 months of their first-year salary, which is manageable. However, when you consider that top California programs like Santa Barbara City College produce graduates earning $47,046—nearly 67% more—the opportunity cost becomes clear. Even mid-tier alternatives like Unitek College deliver $34,441 in first-year earnings, substantially outpacing Pima's outcomes.

The 11% earnings growth over four years provides some optimism, but it's not enough to offset the initial disadvantage. For parents concerned about maximizing their investment, this program's high debt relative to peers should raise red flags. The solid sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable, not statistical noise. Consider exploring the higher-performing California alternatives, particularly community college options that often combine lower costs with better employment outcomes.