Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,897
47th percentile (60th in CA)
Median Debt
$10,269
8% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.38
Manageable
Sample Size
1943
Adequate data

Analysis

This Allied Health and Medical Assisting program at San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula delivers solid value with manageable debt, though earnings potential remains limited. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38, graduates can reasonably expect to manage their $10,269 in student loans on starting salaries around $27,000. Among California's 185 similar programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings—a respectable showing that puts graduates slightly above the state median.

The concerning reality is that this field offers minimal earnings growth over time, with income rising only 3% between years one and four. While the debt load is reasonable and graduates can likely find steady employment, your child shouldn't expect significant salary advancement. The program serves students well as a quick entry point into healthcare support roles, particularly given that half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting it's accessible to lower-income families.

However, it's worth noting that California's top-performing programs in this field generate earnings 40-50% higher, with Empire College graduates earning over $40,000. If your child is committed to this career path and values quick workforce entry with manageable debt, this program works. But if maximizing earning potential is the priority, exploring higher-ranked programs—even if they require more time or cost—might be worth considering.

Where San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally

San Joaquin Valley College-TemeculaOther allied health and medical assisting services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula graduates compare to all programs nationally

San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 47th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (185 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula$26,897$27,686$10,2690.38
Empire College$40,838$41,628$13,2130.32
Bay Area Medical Academy$38,505$52,333$9,1390.24
Charles A Jones Career and Education Center$38,064—$4,7300.12
Cabrillo College$37,279$45,575——
Unitek College$34,873$31,360$8,4090.24
National Median$27,186—$9,5000.35

Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Empire College
Santa Rosa
—$40,838$13,213
Bay Area Medical Academy
San Francisco
—$38,505$9,139
Charles A Jones Career and Education Center
Sacramento
—$38,064$4,730
Cabrillo College
Aptos
$1,270$37,279—
Unitek College
South San Francisco
—$34,873$8,409

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula, approximately 51% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 1943 graduates with reported earnings and 2338 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.