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Cheapest Allied Health Diagnostic Colleges in California

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Skyline College students actually make money while studying Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, with a negative net price of $1,180 that turns education into profit. This extraordinary financial aid scenario highlights California's commitment to healthcare workforce development through programs like Cal Grant. The state's 20 programs show dramatic cost variation, from Skyline's money-making opportunity to private options reaching $27,789 annually. California's healthcare sector, fueled by major medical centers like UCSF and Cedars-Sinai, plus biotech companies throughout the Bay Area and Orange County, creates strong demand for diagnostic imaging technicians, respiratory therapists, and cardiovascular specialists. Graduate earnings span from $33,077 to $83,669, with Cal State Northridge graduates achieving the highest median salaries in the field. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with six Cal State campuses offering programs under $17,000 net cost, while completion rates vary significantly from Modesto Junior College's 26% to American Medical Sciences Center's perfect 100% rate.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-1,180 $1,332 41.4%
2 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
3 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
4 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
5 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
6 $10,176 $1,270 26.1%
7 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
8 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
9 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
10 $16,599 $14,600 42.3%
11 $20,979 $35,214 51.5% 48.5%
12 $23,566 100.0%
13 $24,046 76.9%
14 $25,680 $14,804 61.8%
15 $25,926 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
16 $26,217 $14,804 56.1%
17 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
18 $27,002 $14,804 57.3%
19 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
20 $27,789 $18,933 50.0% 80.5%
21 $28,014 $14,804 62.2%
22 $28,046 $41,390 62.5% 69.0%
23 $29,092 33.9%
24 $30,558 69.8%
25 $31,058 $13,320 50.0%
26 $34,402 $19,100 48.5%
27 $47,527 $62,784 80.4% 72.5%
28 $50,168 $43,550 73.8% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Skyline College offer a negative net price for Allied Health programs?

Skyline College's net price of negative $1,180 means students receive more in financial aid than the total cost of attendance. The combination of federal Pell Grants, Cal Grant awards, and institutional aid exceeds tuition and fees of $1,332. This creates a rare situation where students actually profit financially while completing their Allied Health education. The college's public community college status and California's generous aid programs make this possible.

What explains the $82,000 earnings gap between Allied Health graduates?

Graduate earnings range from $33,077 at Platt College-Anaheim to $83,669 at Cal State Northridge, reflecting specialization differences and regional job markets. Higher-paying positions typically include cardiovascular technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers in major metropolitan areas. California's cost of living variations also influence salary levels, with Bay Area and Los Angeles positions commanding premium wages. The specific Allied Health concentration and employer type significantly impact starting salaries.

Does program completion rate correlate with school type in California?

Completion rates vary dramatically across institution types, from 26% at Modesto Junior College to 100% at American Medical Sciences Center. Four-year public universities generally maintain higher rates, with San Diego State achieving 78% and Cal State Fullerton reaching 69%. Private for-profit schools show mixed results, while community colleges often have lower completion rates due to part-time enrollment patterns. Student support services and program structure influence these outcomes more than institution type alone.

How do Cal State universities compare for affordable Allied Health education?

Five Cal State campuses offer Allied Health programs with net costs between $5,646 and $13,741, making them the most affordable four-year options. Cal State Fullerton leads with $5,646 net cost and strong 69% graduation rate, while Northridge graduates earn the highest median salary at $83,669. These public universities benefit from state funding and financial aid programs that keep costs reasonable. All five maintain acceptance rates above 39%, providing accessible pathways into healthcare careers.

Where do California's Allied Health graduates find employment opportunities?

California's healthcare industry employs Allied Health professionals across major medical centers, outpatient clinics, and specialized diagnostic facilities throughout the state. Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest healthcare systems, operates 39 hospitals and hundreds of clinics statewide. The biotech corridor from San Francisco to San Diego creates additional opportunities in medical device companies and research facilities. Rural areas also need diagnostic technicians and respiratory therapists, often offering competitive salaries to attract qualified professionals.

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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.