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

Graduates from this program face a stark reality: earning $27,132 in their first year puts them nearly $22,000 below what peers at other California schools make. This ranks in the bottom 10th percentile statewide—meaning nine out of ten similar programs in California deliver better outcomes. Even the modest bump to $29,751 by year four leaves graduates far behind, particularly troubling given that over half the students here rely on Pell grants and need strong returns on their educational investment.

The comparison to top California programs is jarring. Schools like Carrington College-Sacramento place graduates earning more than double what this program delivers, and even the state median of $48,908 represents a $19,000 annual advantage. While the $19,000 debt load sits at the national average, it becomes problematic when paired with below-average earnings—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 means graduates owe roughly 70% of their first year's salary.

This program struggles to compete even against national averages, let alone California's stronger market for allied health workers. For a family considering this investment, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere: California offers 100 programs in this field, and the vast majority produce substantially better financial outcomes. The earnings trajectory here simply doesn't justify the cost, especially when stronger alternatives exist within the same state.