High Desert Medical College: 1,721 Students

1,721Students

66%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About High Desert Medical College

High Desert Medical College trains healthcare workers in the Antelope Valley, serving 1,721 students focused on medical careers. The school specializes in programs like medical assisting, pharmacy technology, and healthcare administration. Students come overwhelmingly from California, with 98.55% being in-state residents. The suburban Lancaster campus draws students seeking hands-on medical training without the time commitment of a four-year degree.

Students pay an average of $27,890 annually after financial aid, with costs staying fairly consistent across income levels. Graduates typically earn $32,130 five years after completing their programs. The median debt load of $13,555 translates to monthly payments of $144. With an employment rate of 86.5%, most graduates find work in their field, though the earnings may feel modest given the cost of attendance.

The student body reflects the diversity of Southern California, with 58.22% Hispanic students and 91.98% women. Classes run large with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio. About 55% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating many come from lower-income backgrounds seeking career advancement in healthcare. The two-thirds graduation rate within six years shows the challenge many working adults face completing their programs.

Academics & Faculty

High Desert Medical College specializes in healthcare training programs, preparing students for careers as medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and other allied health professionals. The college enrolls 1,721 students with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes than typical community colleges but focused instruction in specialized medical fields. Two-thirds of students graduate within six years, reflecting the hands-on nature of medical training programs that require practical skills mastery. The school draws primarily women, who make up 92% of enrollment, which is typical for allied health programs. Students can expect intensive, career-focused coursework designed to meet California's growing demand for healthcare workers in the Antelope Valley region.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Full-Time Faculty: 44.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 66.0%

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$26,353
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$20,493

View all 9 programs →

Campus Life

High Desert Medical College sits in Lancaster, about 70 miles north of Los Angeles in the Antelope Valley. The desert climate means hot summers and mild winters, so pack sunscreen over heavy coats. With 1,721 students spread across a suburban campus, you'll find a tight-knit community focused on healthcare training.

Women make up 92% of the student body, reflecting the nursing and medical assistant programs that dominate the curriculum. Nearly 99% of students come from California, creating a local feel where classmates often know the area. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than traditional colleges, but the hands-on medical training keeps students engaged. Most students commute from nearby communities rather than living on campus.

Weekends often involve studying for certification exams or working part-time jobs, as 55% of students receive Pell Grants and many balance school with employment. The Hispanic majority at 58% gives the campus a distinctly multicultural vibe. Students bond over the shared goal of entering healthcare careers, with an 86% employment rate showing most graduates find work in their field.

Setting: Suburb-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–58°F
July Avg: 67°–97°F
Annual Precipitation: 5.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

High Desert Medical College draws students from across California who want hands-on healthcare training without a four-year commitment. The student body is 92% women, reflecting the college's focus on nursing and medical assistant programs that traditionally attract female students. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking career advancement. The campus is 58% Hispanic, mirroring Lancaster's diverse population and the growing demand for bilingual healthcare workers in Southern California's medical facilities.

Men: 8.0%
Women: 92.0%
White: 14.7%
Black: 12.2%
Hispanic: 58.2%
Asian: 3.8%
In-State Students: 98.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 55.5%

Location

High Desert Medical College sits in Lancaster, California, about 70 miles north of Los Angeles in the Antelope Valley. The college draws 98.55% of its students from within California, reflecting the strong local and regional pull of this desert community. Lancaster sits in the high desert region of Southern California, surrounded by Joshua trees and mountain ranges, offering a quieter alternative to the bustling metropolitan areas. The area experiences dramatic temperature swings and clear desert skies. With 1,721 enrolled students, the college serves as a focused healthcare training center in this growing suburban region that has attracted families seeking affordable housing within commuting distance of LA. Students considering colleges in California may also compare High Desert Medical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lancaster, California 93534

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (5 years): $32,130
Monthly Loan Payment: $144/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,555

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at High Desert Medical College?

High Desert Medical College accepts students into its medical training programs with a focus on healthcare careers. The school maintains a student body of 1,721 students, with 98.55% coming from California. Women make up 91.98% of enrollment, reflecting the healthcare field's demographics.

How much does High Desert Medical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $27,890 annually at High Desert Medical College. About 55.47% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. Monthly loan payments average $144 after graduation.

What is the student-faculty ratio at High Desert Medical College?

High Desert Medical College maintains a 25:1 student-faculty ratio in its healthcare training programs. The school operates as a private for-profit institution focused on medical education. Students complete their programs in a suburban Lancaster setting.

What are the job prospects after graduating from High Desert Medical College?

High Desert Medical College graduates achieve an 86.5% employment rate in healthcare fields. Median earnings reach $32,130 five years after graduation and $24,633 in the first year. The school's 66% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of medical training programs.

Where is High Desert Medical College located?

High Desert Medical College operates in Lancaster, California, in a large suburban setting. The location serves students throughout the Antelope Valley region. Nearly all students (98.55%) come from within California to pursue healthcare careers.

Is High Desert Medical College diverse?

High Desert Medical College serves a predominantly Hispanic student population at 58.22% of enrollment. Black students represent 12.20% while white students make up 14.70% of the student body. The diversity reflects Lancaster's demographics and the school's commitment to training healthcare workers from underrepresented communities.