Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Santa Ana College

Santa Ana College graduates start at $28,687—about $20,000 below the California median for this program and in just the 10th percentile statewide. That's a significant gap. The good news is earnings nearly double to $49,975 by year four, though even that remains below what most California medical assisting graduates earn right out of school. The $13,735 in debt is manageable—less than half what graduates typically borrow elsewhere—but the low starting salary means students will likely need supplemental income during those early years.

The real question is whether this dramatic earnings trajectory reflects typical career progression or if many graduates initially work part-time or in lower-paid roles before advancing. Compare this to top California programs where graduates start near $60,000 immediately. Your child would be betting on future growth rather than immediate earning power, which creates financial pressure during those critical first years after graduation.

If your child can live affordably while working their way up, the combination of low debt and strong eventual earnings could work. But families counting on immediate post-graduation income to cover living expenses should recognize this program follows an unconventional path—one that requires patience and probably outside financial support early on.