Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Stanbridge University
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Stanbridge's allied health program commands premium tuition—graduating students carry $30,764 in debt, roughly 60% more than the California median—but the investment translates to exceptional outcomes. Graduates earn $50,198 within their first year, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and placing solidly above California's median despite fiercer competition in this market. While 60th percentile might sound middling for California, that's the reality of a state where allied health programs consistently outperform the nation; Stanbridge still delivers stronger outcomes than most programs nationwide.
The earnings trajectory justifies the higher debt load. Growth from $50K to $61K over four years represents genuine career advancement, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 remains manageable—these graduates can realistically handle their loan payments while building financial stability. The robust sample size confirms this isn't a fluke but a consistent pattern for program completers.
For an anxious parent, the calculation is straightforward: you're paying more upfront, but your child will earn substantially more than typical medical assistants and allied health workers. This program delivers access to better-paying positions or faster advancement than most alternatives, making the premium price defensible rather than exploitative. If your student is committed to allied health and you can manage the debt burden, Stanbridge offers a faster path to financial independence than the majority of programs in this field.
Where Stanbridge University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
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 Stanbridge University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Stanbridge University graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services 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 and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in California (100 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanbridge University | $50,198 | $61,303 | $30,764 | 0.61 |
| Carrington College-Sacramento | $61,881 | $44,082 | $29,755 | 0.48 |
| Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus | $61,881 | $44,082 | $29,755 | 0.48 |
| Loma Linda University | $60,043 | $61,960 | $16,500 | 0.27 |
| Concorde Career College-Garden Grove | $59,559 | $61,059 | $29,750 | 0.50 |
| Institute of Technology | $59,548 | — | $26,064 | 0.44 |
| National Median | $36,862 | — | $19,825 | 0.54 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrington College-Sacramento Sacramento | — | $61,881 | $29,755 |
| Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus Pleasant Hill | — | $61,881 | $29,755 |
| Loma Linda University Loma Linda | — | $60,043 | $16,500 |
| Concorde Career College-Garden Grove Garden Grove | — | $59,559 | $29,750 |
| Institute of Technology Clovis | — | $59,548 | $26,064 |
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 Stanbridge University, approximately 45% 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 306 graduates with reported earnings and 317 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.