Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,459
81st percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$6,286
42% below national median

Analysis

Premiere Career College delivers something rare in healthcare education: strong early earnings with minimal debt burden. At $39,459 one year out, graduates match the California median while carrying just $6,286 in debt—about 40% less than typical programs nationwide. That 0.16 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically pay off their loans in months, not years, while earning a livable wage in Southern California's expensive market.

The catch is what happens next. Earnings drop to $33,482 by year four, suggesting graduates may hit a ceiling without additional credentials. However, this pattern isn't unusual for certificate programs that serve as stepping stones—many lab professionals use these roles to gain clinical experience before pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees. The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (65%), so the quick entry to healthcare employment at low debt may matter more than long-term trajectory for families needing immediate income.

For students who need fast entry to healthcare work without crushing debt, this program accomplishes its mission. It ranks in the 81st percentile nationally and performs competitively within California's crowded market. The declining earnings suggest treating this as a launchpad rather than a final destination, but the low debt load makes that pivot financially feasible. If your child needs healthcare credentials quickly and plans to continue their education while working, the numbers justify enrollment.

Where Premiere Career College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Premiere Career College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Premiere Career College$39,459$33,482-15%
Indiana University-Indianapolis$58,316$51,417-12%
MTI College$36,215$40,713+12%
Glendale Career College$40,382$37,319-8%
Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos$31,071$33,711+8%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (38 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Premiere Career CollegeIrwindale$39,459$33,482$6,2860.16
Contra Costa Medical Career CollegeAntioch$44,990$6,3330.14
Glendale Career CollegeGlendale$40,382$37,319$8,9710.22
MTI CollegeSacramento$36,215$40,713$8,5690.24
Pima Medical Institute-San MarcosSan Marcos$31,071$33,711$3,1670.10
National Median$31,071$10,8660.35

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Phlebotomists

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

$43,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Cytogenetic Technologists

Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

Cytotechnologists

Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.

Histotechnologists

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

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 Premiere Career College, approximately 65% 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.