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Best Value Allied Health Diagnostic Colleges in California

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

California State University-Northridge graduates in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions earn $83,669 annually while paying just $7,599 net cost, creating an strong return on investment in a state where healthcare workers are in high demand. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans $55,614, with private institutions like Point Loma Nazarene charging $50,168 but producing graduates earning only $28,055. California's massive healthcare system, anchored by Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health networks, creates steady demand for diagnostic professionals including medical sonographers, radiologic technologists, and respiratory therapists. The state's 20 programs range from community colleges offering affordable entry points to specialized institutions targeting specific allied health tracks. Public universities dominate the value equation, with Cal State Fresno delivering solid outcomes at $6,480 net cost, while private options like National University command premium pricing at $31,058 despite strong $81,333 graduate earnings. The Cal Grant program helps qualifying students access these opportunities across a state where allied health professionals support everything from Silicon Valley executive physicals to rural Central Valley community clinics.
28
Programs
$-1,180 – $50,168
Net Price Range
$45,457
Avg. Program Earnings
60.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,599 $83,669 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
2 $6,480 $38,289 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
3 $31,058 $81,333 $13,320 50.0%
4 $25,680 $33,077 $14,804 61.8%
5 $26,217 $33,077 $14,804 56.1%
6 $27,002 $33,077 $14,804 57.3%
7 $28,014 $33,077 $14,804 62.2%
8 $50,168 $28,055 $43,550 73.8% 81.9%
9 $29,092 33.9%
10 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
11 $23,566 100.0%
12 $16,599 $14,600 42.3%
13 $30,558 69.8%
14 $34,402 $19,100 48.5%
15 $24,046 76.9%
16 $-1,180 $1,332 41.4%
17 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
18 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
19 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
20 $25,926 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
21 $20,979 $35,214 51.5% 48.5%
22 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
23 $10,176 $1,270 26.1%
24 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
25 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
26 $28,046 $41,390 62.5% 69.0%
27 $27,789 $18,933 50.0% 80.5%
28 $47,527 $62,784 80.4% 72.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings difference between CSU-Northridge and Point Loma Nazarene graduates?

CSU-Northridge graduates earn $83,669 compared to Point Loma's $28,055, a gap of over $55,000 annually. This difference likely reflects program focus, with CSU-Northridge potentially emphasizing higher-paying specialties like diagnostic imaging or respiratory therapy. Point Loma's lower earnings may indicate concentration in entry-level allied health roles or different geographic job placement patterns.

How do California's public and private allied health programs compare on value?

Public programs offer superior value, with CSU-Northridge and CSU-Fresno charging under $8,000 net cost while private institutions average over $25,000. National University breaks the private mold with $81,333 graduate earnings justifying its $31,058 cost. Most private programs struggle to match public value propositions, especially given California's strong state university allied health offerings.

Where do Platt College's four California campuses fit in the value market?

All four Platt locations charge identical $14,804 tuition with graduates earning $33,077 and carrying $23,403 debt. Graduation rates vary from 56% in Riverside to 62% in Los Angeles, suggesting program execution differences across campuses. These for-profit programs occupy middle ground between public bargains and premium private options.

Does California's high cost of living affect allied health program value calculations?

California's expensive housing markets, particularly in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, significantly impact real program value despite higher nominal salaries. A $83,669 salary in Northridge provides different purchasing power than the same amount in rural areas. Students should factor regional living costs when comparing programs, as some lower-tuition options in expensive areas may offer less net benefit.

What graduation rate patterns emerge among California's allied health programs?

Graduation rates span from 26% at Modesto Junior College to 80% at Chapman University, reflecting institutional resources and student preparation levels. Most four-year programs maintain 50-65% completion rates, while Chapman's 80% rate commands premium pricing at $47,527 net cost. Community college programs face unique challenges with lower completion but offer accessible entry points.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.