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Cheapest Health and Medical Administrative Services Colleges in California

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

San Diego Mesa College defies expectations by offering a net cost of negative $904 for Health and Medical Administrative Services students, meaning they receive more aid than they pay. This stands in stark contrast to private options reaching $25,805 annually. California's massive healthcare infrastructure, anchored by Kaiser Permanente's 40 hospitals and hundreds of medical centers, creates steady demand for administrative professionals who understand both clinical workflows and business operations. The state's 20 programs span from community colleges with graduation rates near 30% to specialized institutions achieving 97% completion rates. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with Cal State schools offering net costs between $3,659 and $13,741. San Jose State University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $45,277, reflecting the Bay Area's premium healthcare market where administrative roles support everything from Stanford Medicine to biotech startups. Community college pathways provide immediate workforce entry, while four-year programs prepare students for supervisory positions managing medical records, insurance processing, and healthcare compliance in California's $400 billion healthcare economy.
31
Programs
$-904 – $38,205
Net Price Range
$37,438
Avg. Program Earnings
54.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-904 $1,150 33.8%
2 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
3 $3,743 $1,197 29.1%
4 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
5 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
6 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
7 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
8 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
9 $21,941 75.9% 33.3%
10 $25,114 77.2% 10.1%
11 $25,300 $37,150 60.7% 65.9%
12 $25,321 $13,160 8.8%
13 $25,680 $14,804 61.8%
14 $25,805 97.1%
15 $26,217 $35,910 68.1% 91.9%
16 $26,217 $14,804 56.1%
17 $26,689 20.0%
18 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
19 $27,002 $14,804 57.3%
20 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
21 $27,721 63.2% 40.0%
22 $27,923 $38,522 41.7%
23 $28,014 $14,804 62.2%
24 $28,046 $41,390 62.5% 69.0%
25 $29,092 33.9%
26 $31,058 $13,320 50.0%
27 $31,198 $56,134 69.0% 87.9%
28 $32,256 33.8%
29 $33,294 $17,488 42.9% 40.1%
30 $36,836 $22,685 64.3%
31 $38,205 $35,465 41.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does San Diego Mesa College achieve a negative net cost of $904?

Federal and state financial aid, including Cal Grant awards, exceeds the college's actual tuition and fees for many students. California community colleges charge only $1,150 in annual tuition for residents. When students receive Pell Grants averaging $6,000 plus Cal Grant funding, the total aid package often surpasses educational costs, leaving students with refund money for living expenses.

What explains the $41,554 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public institutions benefit from state subsidies that keep tuition low, while private colleges operate without taxpayer support. California community colleges charge around $1,200 annually, compared to private universities reaching $37,150 in tuition. Private institutions often provide smaller class sizes and specialized facilities but require students to cover the full operational costs through tuition and fees.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in California?

Not consistently across all institution types. Angeles College achieves 97.1% graduation rates at $25,805 net cost, while Ashford University manages only 8.8% at similar pricing of $25,321. Community colleges like Shasta show 29.1% completion rates but serve different student populations, often including part-time learners balancing work and family responsibilities alongside their studies.

Where do Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates find the best salary opportunities?

San Jose State University graduates earn $45,277 starting salaries, reflecting Silicon Valley's high-paying healthcare market. The Bay Area's concentration of medical technology companies, research hospitals, and biotech firms drives up compensation for administrative professionals. Southern California programs show more modest earnings, with graduates averaging $34,000-$41,000 annually in regions with lower living costs but still substantial healthcare employment.

How do student debt levels vary between California's public and private programs?

Public university graduates carry significantly less debt, with Cal State Long Beach students borrowing just $11,000 compared to Fresno Pacific's $24,912 average. Community college students often graduate debt-free due to low tuition and generous state aid programs. Private institution debt loads reflect higher sticker prices, though some students receive substantial institutional scholarships that reduce final borrowing amounts.

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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.