Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at UEI College-Ontario
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This program delivers concerning results that put graduates at a significant disadvantage compared to better alternatives in California. While the relatively low debt of $9,500 keeps the financial risk manageable, the median starting salary of $24,695 falls well below both national ($27,186) and California ($26,897) averages for medical assisting programs. More troubling, this ranks only in the 40th percentile among California programs—meaning 60% of similar programs in the state produce better outcomes.
The earnings trajectory offers little hope for improvement, with only 7% growth over four years bringing salaries to just $26,472. Compare this to top California programs where graduates earn $35,000-$40,000+ right out the gate. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 is reasonable, but that's cold comfort when the absolute earnings are so low. With 74% of students receiving Pell grants, this program primarily serves students who need strong career outcomes the most.
**Bottom line:** Your child would likely be better served by exploring higher-performing medical assisting programs within California's community college system or other private institutions. The modest debt advantage doesn't justify starting a healthcare career $10,000+ behind peers from stronger programs in the same state.
Where UEI College-Ontario Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate'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 UEI College-Ontario graduates compare to all programs nationally
UEI College-Ontario graduates earn $25k, placing them in the 28th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services certificate 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 certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (185 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UEI College-Ontario | $24,695 | $26,472 | $9,500 | 0.38 |
| Empire College | $40,838 | $41,628 | $13,213 | 0.32 |
| Bay Area Medical Academy | $38,505 | $52,333 | $9,139 | 0.24 |
| Charles A Jones Career and Education Center | $38,064 | — | $4,730 | 0.12 |
| Cabrillo College | $37,279 | $45,575 | — | — |
| Unitek College | $34,873 | $31,360 | $8,409 | 0.24 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire College Santa Rosa | — | $40,838 | $13,213 |
| Bay Area Medical Academy San Francisco | — | $38,505 | $9,139 |
| Charles A Jones Career and Education Center Sacramento | — | $38,064 | $4,730 |
| Cabrillo College Aptos | $1,270 | $37,279 | — |
| Unitek College South San Francisco | — | $34,873 | $8,409 |
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 UEI College-Ontario, approximately 74% 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 2494 graduates with reported earnings and 2980 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.