Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,890 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $111,560 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,555 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,248/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,262/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,604/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,470/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,608/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $26,353 | $21,982 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $20,493 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
66.0% of students at High Desert Medical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
High Desert Medical College delivers weak financial returns that put most graduates in a challenging position. With a net price of nearly $28,000 annually and median starting salaries under $27,000, you face an immediate income-to-cost mismatch that creates financial strain from day one.
The Allied Health Diagnostic program offers the school's best earning potential at $26,353, but even this top performer leaves you with debt that takes years to overcome given the modest salary. Medical Assisting graduates face a particularly tough situation, earning just $20,493 while carrying nearly $10,000 in debt. These entry-level healthcare wages struggle to justify the premium private school pricing.
The 66% graduation rate signals additional risk. One in three students leaves without completing their program, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This completion rate is concerning for a focused healthcare college where programs should have clear career pathways.
You should consider this school only if you have substantial family financial support or can secure significant grants that reduce your actual costs well below the sticker price. The 55% of students receiving aid may find better value, but you need to calculate your specific net cost carefully.
Community colleges in the region offer similar healthcare programs at a fraction of the cost, making High Desert Medical College difficult to justify financially for most students. The convenience of private education here comes with a price premium that the job market cannot support. Look elsewhere unless you have compelling personal reasons to attend and can minimize borrowing substantially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is High Desert Medical College worth the cost compared to other medical programs?
High Desert Medical College costs $27,890 per year with a 66% graduation rate, which is below average for healthcare programs. The median debt of $13,555 is relatively low, but graduates in allied health programs earn $20,000-26,000 starting salaries that may not justify the total program cost.
What is the return on investment for High Desert Medical College graduates?
With starting salaries around $20,000-26,000 for top programs and total costs near $56,000 for a two-year program, High Desert Medical College graduates face a challenging debt-to-income ratio. The low median debt of $13,555 suggests many students pay out of pocket or don't complete their programs.
Which High Desert Medical College programs offer the best job prospects?
Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment programs show the highest earning potential at $26,353, while Medical Assisting programs start around $20,493. Both fields have job growth, but the starting salaries are below the national average for healthcare careers.
How much financial aid does High Desert Medical College provide?
The net price of $27,890 per year indicates limited financial aid availability at High Desert Medical College. Students should carefully evaluate whether the career outcomes justify this cost, especially given the 34% of students who don't graduate.