Health and Medical Administrative Services at San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster

San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster's health administration certificate delivers underwhelming results in a field where better options clearly exist. With first-year earnings of $26,452, graduates earn less than both the national ($27,783) and California ($26,827) medians for this program. More concerning is the virtual absence of earnings growth—just $288 over four years—while the state's top programs like Santa Barbara City College produce graduates earning $47,000+ right out of the gate.

The debt picture offers some relief, with $10,623 representing a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that's close to state and national norms. However, this moderate debt load doesn't compensate for the limited earning potential. Among California's 155 programs in this field, this one ranks squarely in the middle (40th percentile), which isn't compelling when significantly stronger alternatives exist throughout the state.

For families considering this investment, the data suggests looking elsewhere. While the certificate provides quick entry into healthcare administration, the earnings ceiling appears low and immediate. Given that 60% of students receive Pell grants, many families would benefit more from exploring community college options or higher-performing private programs that justify their costs with substantially better outcomes.