Health and Medical Administrative Services at UEI College-Bakersfield

UEI College-Bakersfield's health administrative certificate leaves graduates earning substantially less than they could elsewhere—about $21,000 less annually than what students earn at the state's top-performing programs. While the $9,500 debt load is manageable compared to other schools, first-year earnings of $23,259 rank in just the 17th percentile nationally, putting graduates well behind peers who studied the same field. Even within California, where this program sits at the state median for earnings, there's a concerning gap: Santa Barbara City College's graduates earn nearly double, suggesting that location and employer networks matter enormously in this field.

The 12% earnings growth over four years brings graduates to $26,088—still below what typical health administrators earn nationally right out of school. With 78% of students receiving Pell grants, this population is particularly vulnerable to underemployment, and these numbers suggest many graduates may struggle to achieve financial independence on these wages. The debt is paid off relatively quickly, but that's cold comfort when the opportunity cost is so high.

For families in the Bakersfield area seeking administrative healthcare credentials, explore community college options first. The data shows that program choice matters more than the credential itself—some California schools prepare students for positions paying $15-20 per hour more for the same certificate.