Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,827
88th percentile (60th in CA)
Median Debt
$7,790
18% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.24
Manageable
Sample Size
624
Adequate data

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

Unitek CollegeOther allied health and medical assisting services programs

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 $33k, placing them in the 88th 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Unitek College$32,827$37,061$7,7900.24
Empire College$40,838$41,628$13,2130.32
Bay Area Medical Academy$38,505$52,333$9,1390.24
Charles A Jones Career and Education Center$38,064—$4,7300.12
Cabrillo College$37,279$45,575——
Unitek College$34,873$31,360$8,4090.24
National Median$27,186—$9,5000.35

Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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 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.