Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at San Joaquin Valley College-Delano
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This Allied Health program at San Joaquin Valley College-Delano delivers solid value with relatively low debt burden, though earnings potential is modest. At $26,897 in first-year earnings and just $10,269 in median debt, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38—meaning they'd need less than 5 months of gross pay to cover their educational investment. Among California's 185 similar programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it slightly above the state median.
The program's strength lies in its accessibility and financial prudence rather than peak earning potential. With 76% of students receiving Pell grants, it clearly serves a population seeking practical, affordable healthcare training. However, the limited earnings growth—just 3% from year one to year four—suggests this is an "early peak" career path where most earning potential is realized quickly after graduation.
While some California programs produce graduates earning $15,000+ more annually, they likely come with significantly higher debt loads. For families prioritizing quick entry into healthcare with minimal financial risk, this program offers a reasonable path. However, if your child has strong academic credentials and can access more competitive programs, the top-tier California schools show substantially higher earning potential that may justify additional investment.
Where San Joaquin Valley College-Delano Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How San Joaquin Valley College-Delano graduates compare to all programs nationally
San Joaquin Valley College-Delano graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 47th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (185 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Joaquin Valley College-Delano | $26,897 | $27,686 | $10,269 | 0.38 |
| Empire College | $40,838 | $41,628 | $13,213 | 0.32 |
| Bay Area Medical Academy | $38,505 | $52,333 | $9,139 | 0.24 |
| Charles A Jones Career and Education Center | $38,064 | — | $4,730 | 0.12 |
| Cabrillo College | $37,279 | $45,575 | — | — |
| Unitek College | $34,873 | $31,360 | $8,409 | 0.24 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire College Santa Rosa | — | $40,838 | $13,213 |
| Bay Area Medical Academy San Francisco | — | $38,505 | $9,139 |
| Charles A Jones Career and Education Center Sacramento | — | $38,064 | $4,730 |
| Cabrillo College Aptos | $1,270 | $37,279 | — |
| Unitek College South San Francisco | — | $34,873 | $8,409 |
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 San Joaquin Valley College-Delano, approximately 76% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 1943 graduates with reported earnings and 2338 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.