Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Santa Ana College

Santa Ana College's medical assisting program charges more debt than typical ($11,000 versus the $9,500 median), yet delivers earnings that beat 60% of California programs—a reasonable trade-off for solid middle-of-the-pack performance. The $28,200 starting salary edges above both state and national medians, and the debt load remains manageable with a 0.39 ratio, meaning graduates owe less than five months of first-year earnings.

The earnings trajectory looks promising, with income jumping 24% to nearly $35,000 by year four. While top California programs like Empire College produce graduates earning $40,000+, those likely come with substantially higher costs. Santa Ana delivers dependable results without the premium price tag—relevant for a community college serving a population where only 16% receive Pell grants, suggesting many students are working adults seeking affordable credentials.

For a parent, this represents a low-risk investment in a stable healthcare field. The debt is modest enough to pay off within a couple years, and the earnings growth suggests this certificate opens doors to advancement opportunities rather than leaving graduates stuck at entry-level wages. It's not the highest-earning medical assisting program in California, but it's a financially sensible path to healthcare employment.