Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Unitek College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Unitek College's medical assisting program ranks among California's top five for graduate earnings—a standout result in a state with 185 competing programs. At $34,873 in first-year earnings, graduates earn significantly more than the state median of $26,897, placing this program in the 80th percentile statewide and 95th percentile nationally. The debt burden of $8,409 is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.24—meaning graduates owe roughly three months' salary.
The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn less four years out ($31,360) than they do initially. This backward slide of 10% suggests the field may have limited advancement opportunities or that many graduates move into roles with compressed pay scales. However, the absolute earnings levels remain solid compared to peers, and the low debt means graduates aren't locked into high-paying work to manage loan payments.
For families evaluating this program, the numbers work in your favor if your child needs quick entry into healthcare work without accumulating significant debt. The first-year earnings and debt load create immediate financial stability. Just understand that this likely represents a stable career floor rather than a launching pad for major salary growth. Among California's medical assisting programs, this delivers above-average results at a reasonable price.
Where Unitek College 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 Unitek College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Unitek College graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 95th 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unitek College | $34,873 | $31,360 | $8,409 | 0.24 |
| 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 Unitek College, approximately 44% 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 150 graduates with reported earnings and 168 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.