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

San Joaquin Valley College-Modesto's medical administrative program sits right at California's median for earnings but falls short of national benchmarks—graduates earn about $4,000 less than the typical program nationwide. The $20,000 in debt is manageable relative to that first-year salary of $27,553, though it's worth noting that stronger California programs like Santa Barbara City College produce graduates earning nearly double that amount within a year.

The 10% earnings growth to $30,344 by year four suggests modest career progression, but you're still looking at roughly $15 per hour even after gaining experience. For comparison, the top quarter of medical administrative programs nationally see graduates earning over $36,000 in their first year. This program serves a heavily Pell Grant-eligible population (53%), and while it provides access to healthcare administration careers, families should understand they're paying for below-average outcomes in a field where better-performing programs exist throughout California.

The debt load won't crush your child financially, but this program represents a stepping stone rather than a strong launching pad. If location flexibility exists, exploring programs with stronger placement records could mean an extra $8,000-$10,000 in annual earnings from day one—a significant difference when you're building a career foundation.