Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,174
20th percentile (25th in CA)
Median Debt
$24,667
29% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.53
Manageable
Sample Size
597
Adequate data

Analysis

This Allied Health program at Smith Chason College presents significant concerns that warrant serious consideration before enrollment. Graduates earn a median of $46,174 in their first year—substantially below both the national average ($54,327) and especially the California state median ($62,420) for similar programs. The program ranks in just the 20th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among California schools, meaning 75-80% of comparable programs produce better-earning graduates.

The numbers become even more troubling when compared to other California options. Top-performing community colleges in the state like Foothill College and Canada College produce graduates earning over $100,000, while even mid-tier programs significantly outperform Smith Chason. With minimal earnings growth (just 2% over four years), graduates essentially see stagnant wages. While the debt load of $24,667 isn't catastrophic, it represents a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53—manageable but not ideal given the limited earning potential.

The bottom line: this program underperforms dramatically compared to state alternatives, particularly concerning given California's higher cost of living. With 109 allied health programs available in California and many community colleges offering superior outcomes at lower costs, prospective students should strongly consider other options before committing to Smith Chason College.

Where Smith Chason College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates's programs nationally

Smith Chason CollegeOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions 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 Smith Chason College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Smith Chason College graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 20th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates 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 Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in California (109 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Smith Chason College$46,174$46,875$24,6670.53
Foothill College$107,048$133,485$12,0000.11
Canada College$106,691—$15,0000.14
American River College$100,258———
Mt San Antonio College$88,132$82,800$9,0000.10
Los Angeles Valley College$80,602$63,168——
National Median$54,327—$19,1130.35

Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills
$1,565$107,048$12,000
Canada College
Redwood City
$1,332$106,691$15,000
American River College
Sacramento
$1,288$100,258—
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut
$1,364$88,132$9,000
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen
$1,238$80,602—

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 Smith Chason College, approximately 56% 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 597 graduates with reported earnings and 668 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.