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

This Allied Health and Medical Assisting program at San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria offers a relatively affordable entry point into healthcare, but comes with significant limitations on earning potential. With first-year earnings of $26,897 and debt of just $10,269, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38—well below concerning levels. Among California's 185 similar programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, meaning it performs better than many competitors in the state.

However, the earnings trajectory reveals this program's main weakness: virtually no income growth over time. Graduates earn essentially the same amount ($27,686) four years out as they do initially, representing just 3% growth. This "early peak" pattern means your child would likely need additional training or certifications to advance their career and increase earnings significantly. The program also falls below the national median for similar programs.

For families seeking an affordable healthcare credential with immediate job prospects, this program delivers—especially considering 62% of students receive Pell grants, indicating strong financial aid availability. But if long-term earning potential is a priority, consider the top-performing California programs like Empire College ($40,838) or community college options like Cabrillo College ($37,279) that offer substantially higher earnings for similar training.