At $21,925/yr net price, Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista graduates earn $38,673/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,673/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,925 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,673/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,673/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,972/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,841/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,906/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $54,438 | $26,923 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,140 | $8,890 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $25,277 | $8,707 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,121 | $8,508 |
The Risk Factor
56.9% of students at Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista delivers mixed financial returns that depend entirely on which program you choose. The school's Allied Health Diagnostic program stands out with $54,438 median earnings, making it the clear financial winner despite carrying $26,923 in debt. This program alone drives the school's overall financial profile upward.
The remaining programs tell a different story. Medical Assisting, Health Administration, and Dental Support all cluster around $25,000-$27,000 in annual earnings with relatively low debt loads under $9,000. While the debt burden stays manageable, these salaries barely exceed what you might earn with just a high school diploma in San Diego County's expensive job market.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 43% of students who don't graduate. At a $21,925 annual price tag, dropping out means paying private school costs without completing any credential. The school's for-profit structure also means limited financial aid options compared to community colleges offering similar programs at fraction of the cost.
You should consider Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista only if you're committed to the Allied Health Diagnostic program and can handle the higher debt load. If you're interested in medical assisting or dental support, local community colleges offer these same programs for significantly less money. The school works best for students who need flexible scheduling and are willing to pay premium prices for faster program completion, but the financial math only works for the highest-earning track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista worth the cost?
With graduates earning $38,673 after 10 years and annual costs of $21,925, the return on investment is modest. The low graduation rate of 57% means many students don't complete their programs, making the financial risk higher than the numbers suggest.
What programs at Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista have the best job prospects?
Allied Health Diagnostic programs offer the strongest earning potential at $54,438 annually, nearly double the school average. Medical assisting and administrative health programs pay around $25,000-27,000, which barely covers the cost of attendance.
How much debt do students graduate with from Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,500, but this only accounts for students who actually graduate. With a 57% graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista provide good financial aid?
At $21,925 net price after aid, costs remain high relative to graduate earnings. The financial aid appears limited given that most programs lead to starting salaries that make debt repayment challenging.