Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This Allied Health and Medical Assisting program at San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia offers reasonable value with notably modest debt, but earnings potential remains limited. With median earnings of $26,897 in the first year and only reaching $27,686 after four years, graduates earn slightly below the national median but rank in the 60th percentile among California programs—a meaningful distinction given California's competitive healthcare market.
The program's strongest selling point is its manageable debt burden. At $10,269, student debt sits comfortably below both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 that makes the credential financially accessible. However, the minimal 3% earnings growth over four years suggests this field offers limited advancement potential, which is concerning for long-term career prospects.
When compared to top California programs where graduates earn $35,000-$40,000+, this program clearly underperforms. Empire College and Bay Area Medical Academy graduates earn 50% more, indicating significant variation in program quality and outcomes within the state. For families seeking an affordable entry into healthcare support roles, this program provides a low-risk pathway with reasonable debt. However, if your child has the academic credentials and financial means to access higher-performing programs, the earnings difference could justify the additional investment.
Where San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia 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-Hesperia graduates compare to all programs nationally
San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia 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-Hesperia | $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-Hesperia, approximately 62% 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.