Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno

San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno's Allied Health program sits at the bottom tenth percentile of California programs in this field—a significant red flag in a state where the median graduate earns $49,000 compared to this program's $27,000. That's a $22,000 gap in first-year earnings, and it persists even after four years when graduates here reach just under $30,000. For context, top California programs in this field produce graduates earning over $60,000, more than double what you'd see here.

The $19,000 debt load is actually in line with state and national averages, so the issue isn't excessive borrowing—it's insufficient earnings. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70, graduates face manageable loan payments on paper, but that calculation looks different when you're earning $27,000 versus the state median of $49,000. The 10% earnings growth over four years suggests limited advancement potential in the roles graduates secure.

Given that 55% of students here receive Pell grants, many families are already facing financial constraints. This program ranks in the 13th percentile nationally as well, meaning the weak outcomes aren't just a California comparison issue. Unless there are compelling personal circumstances keeping your child local, other California programs consistently deliver earnings that could justify the same debt burden with significantly more financial breathing room.