Health and Medical Administrative Services (Associate's Degree) at Santa Barbara City College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$48,712

95th percentile

Median Debt

$23,505

2% above national median

Analysis

Santa Barbara City College's healthcare administration program delivers something rare: associate degree graduates earning 77% more than the California median for this field. At $48,712 one year out, these graduates substantially outpace even private colleges like DeVry ($37,750) and land in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide—a signal that the program's employer connections in Santa Barbara's healthcare market are exceptionally strong.

The debt picture enhances the value proposition. While the $23,505 median sits near national norms, graduates earn enough that the 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio translates to manageable repayment. For context, a typical graduate making $48,712 would pay roughly 10% of gross income toward loans under standard repayment—reasonable for someone entering healthcare administration with immediate earning potential. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests consistent but not massive program enrollment, which may contribute to quality outcomes.

This is the rare community college program that genuinely competes with—and beats—private competitors on outcomes. For families evaluating healthcare administration options in California, SBCC offers top-tier results at community college pricing, making it an obvious choice for students serious about this career path who can access the Santa Barbara campus.

Where Santa Barbara City College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Santa Barbara City College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Health and Medical Administrative Services associates's programs at peer institutions in California (70 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Santa Barbara City CollegeSanta Barbara	$1,234	$48,712	—	$23,505	0.48
DeVry University-CaliforniaOntario	$17,488	$37,750	$37,077	$37,717	1.00
Asher CollegeSacramento	—	$36,293	$36,643	$17,667	0.49
Laurus CollegeSan Luis Obispo	—	$35,211	$24,369	$33,000	0.94
San Joaquin Valley College-FresnoFresno	—	$27,553	$30,344	$20,000	0.73
San Joaquin Valley College-ModestoSalida	—	$27,553	$30,344	$20,000	0.73
National Median	—	$31,719	—	$23,000	0.73

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

$103,960/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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 Santa Barbara City College, approximately 16% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.