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

This program's graduates earn dramatically less than typical California medical assistants—landing in the bottom 10% statewide with first-year earnings of $27,132 compared to the state median of $48,908. That's a $21,000 annual gap that persists even four years out. While the $19,000 debt load matches state averages and isn't crushing on its own, you're paying typical tuition for markedly below-typical outcomes. Top California programs place graduates earning $60,000+, more than double what this program delivers.

The relatively strong debt-to-earnings ratio (0.70) might look reassuring, but that's only because both debt and earnings are low—it doesn't change the fact that graduates are starting at less than $28,000 annually. Even with modest 10% growth over four years, earnings barely crack $30,000. The 60% Pell Grant rate indicates this primarily serves lower-income students who need programs that maximize earning potential, not minimize it.

For an associate's degree in medical assisting, there are simply better options in California. Unless geographic constraints make this your only viable choice, explore the Carrington College campuses or other programs where graduates actually reach median state earnings. Your child deserves training that delivers competitive outcomes, not bottom-decile results.