Median Earnings (1yr)
$69,391
95th percentile (60th in CA)
Median Debt
$24,931
30% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.36
Manageable
Sample Size
545
Adequate data

Analysis

This Allied Health program at San Joaquin Valley College delivers exceptionally strong early-career earnings that significantly outpace national expectations. With graduates earning $69,391 in their first year—placing the program in the 95th percentile nationally—students are earning nearly $15,000 more than the typical graduate from similar programs across the country. However, the California context tells a more nuanced story, where this program ranks in the 60th percentile among state competitors, reflecting California's generally higher-paying allied health job market.

The financial picture is quite favorable for an associate degree program. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means graduates typically carry manageable debt loads relative to their earning potential, and the median debt of $24,931 sits just slightly above the state average. While earnings growth appears minimal over the first four years, the strong starting salary provides a solid foundation that compares well to many bachelor's degree programs in other fields.

**Bottom line:** This program offers excellent value with above-average starting salaries and reasonable debt levels. While it doesn't crack the top tier of California allied health programs, it substantially outperforms national benchmarks and positions graduates for immediate financial stability—a smart investment for students seeking direct entry into healthcare careers.

Where San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates's programs nationally

San Joaquin Valley College-FresnoOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

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-Fresno graduates compare to all programs nationally

San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno graduates earn $69k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates 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 Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in California (109 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno$69,391$69,812$24,9310.36
Foothill College$107,048$133,485$12,0000.11
Canada College$106,691—$15,0000.14
American River College$100,258———
Mt San Antonio College$88,132$82,800$9,0000.10
Los Angeles Valley College$80,602$63,168——
National Median$54,327—$19,1130.35

Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills
$1,565$107,048$12,000
Canada College
Redwood City
$1,332$106,691$15,000
American River College
Sacramento
$1,288$100,258—
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut
$1,364$88,132$9,000
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen
$1,238$80,602—

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-Fresno, approximately 55% 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 545 graduates with reported earnings and 663 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.