Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,827
88th percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$7,790
18% below national median

Analysis

Unitek College's Allied Health program delivers impressive results that significantly outperform national standards. With first-year earnings of $32,827, graduates earn $5,600 more than the national median and nearly $6,000 above California's state average. The program ranks in the 88th percentile nationally for earnings, making it a standout performer in a crowded field of over 1,300 similar programs across the country.

The financial picture is particularly compelling. At $7,790 in median debt—well below both national and state medians of $9,500—students graduate with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.24. This means graduates typically owe less than three months of their starting salary, an exceptionally manageable debt load that allows for financial stability right out of school. The 13% earnings growth over four years, reaching $37,061, demonstrates solid career progression in the field.

While this program performs very well nationally, it's worth noting that within California it ranks in the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional among in-state options. However, the combination of strong earnings, low debt, and proven track record with over 100 graduates makes this a financially sound investment. For families seeking a quick path to stable healthcare employment with minimal debt burden, this program offers excellent value.

Where Unitek College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Unitek College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Unitek College$32,827$37,061+13%
Bay Area Medical Academy$38,505$52,333+36%
Cabrillo College$37,279$45,575+22%
Empire College$40,838$41,628+2%
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts$32,143$36,983+15%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (185 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Unitek CollegeFremont$32,827$37,061$7,7900.24
Empire CollegeSanta Rosa$40,838$41,628$13,2130.32
Bay Area Medical AcademySan Francisco$38,505$52,333$9,1390.24
Charles A Jones Career and Education CenterSacramento$38,064$4,7300.12
Cabrillo CollegeAptos$1,270$37,279$45,575
Unitek CollegeSouth San Francisco$34,873$31,360$8,4090.24
National Median$27,186$9,5000.35

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$66,050/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

$60,050/yrJobs growth:

Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

$44,200/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Pharmacy Technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

$43,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

All healthcare support workers not listed separately.

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 42% 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 624 graduates with reported earnings and 732 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.