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630Students
58%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,673Earnings
Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos

Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos trains students for hands-on healthcare careers in a focused, accelerated environment. The school specializes in medical assistant, dental assistant, and other healthcare support programs that get graduates working quickly. With 630 students on a suburban campus, class sizes stay manageable despite a 25:1 student-faculty ratio.

Students pay an average of $29,950 after financial aid, which represents a significant investment for a two-year program. Graduates earn a median of $38,673 ten years after starting, though early career earnings begin around $33,913 in the first year. With typical debt of just $9,500 and monthly loan payments of $101, the financial burden stays relatively light compared to four-year programs. The 94.4% employment rate suggests strong job placement, though only 58.3% of students complete their programs within six years.

The student body reflects California's diversity, with 50.3% Hispanic students and 74.9% women, typical for healthcare training programs. Nearly all students (98.1%) come from California, creating a local community focused on serving regional healthcare needs. The for-profit structure means streamlined programs designed to move students quickly into the workforce rather than providing a traditional college experience.

Academics & Faculty

Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos trains students for healthcare support careers through hands-on programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, and diagnostic imaging. The school's 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of career-focused institutions where practical skills matter more than individualized attention. Students dive straight into industry-relevant coursework without general education requirements that slow down traditional degrees. The 58% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face in balancing school with life responsibilities. Programs emphasize job readiness over academic theory. Most graduates enter the workforce quickly in roles like medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and radiology support staff. The curriculum prioritizes certification preparation and clinical experience over research or liberal arts exploration.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25:1
Full-Time Faculty
27.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
58.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,673

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $54,438
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $45,723
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $27,140
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Certificate $26,254
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Certificate $25,277
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Certificate $25,121

View all 8 programs →

Campus Life

This healthcare-focused campus in the San Marcos suburbs sits 30 miles north of San Diego, where year-round temperatures rarely dip below 50 degrees or climb above 80. You'll need sunscreen more than winter coats in this Mediterranean climate. The student body of 630 is 75% women, reflecting the nursing and medical assistant programs that dominate course offerings. Nearly all students (98%) come from California, creating a local commuter culture.

Most students juggle classes with work schedules, as 42% receive Pell grants and many support themselves through school. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than traditional colleges, but the career-focused curriculum keeps everyone moving toward the same goal. With a 94% employment rate after graduation, students often network about job opportunities in San Diego's extensive healthcare system. Weekends typically involve study groups, part-time work, or trips to nearby beaches. The campus lacks dormitories, so social life centers around clinical rotations and shared program experiences rather than traditional college activities.
Setting
Suburb-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
44°–68°F
July Avg
64°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
14.5"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Three-quarters of students are women, reflecting the school's focus on healthcare support careers where women traditionally dominate. Half the student body is Hispanic, with 98% coming from California. The high Pell Grant rate of 42% shows Pima serves working-class families seeking career mobility through healthcare training. This demographic mix creates a community of local students, many first-generation college attendees, pursuing practical medical certifications. The student body reflects San Marcos's diverse population and the healthcare industry's need for bilingual support staff in Southern California.
Men
25.1%
Women
74.9%
White
25.1%
Black
4.0%
Hispanic
50.3%
Asian
9.2%
In-State Students
98.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
42.3%

Location

San Marcos sits 30 miles north of San Diego in North County, placing students in Southern California's sprawling suburban landscape. The city houses California State University San Marcos, giving the area a college town atmosphere despite its 95,000 residents. Students live within driving distance of both Pacific beaches and inland mountains. The region's year-round mild climate and proximity to major healthcare systems provide internship opportunities for PMI's medical programs. Nearly all students (98.11%) come from within California, reflecting the school's focus on training local healthcare workers. The suburban setting offers lower living costs than nearby San Diego while maintaining access to the region's robust healthcare industry. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos with similar schools in the region.
Address
San Marcos, California 92078-8702

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,673
Median Earnings (5 years)
$39,823
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,700
Loan Repayment Rate
46.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos?

The school enrolls 630 students with women making up nearly three-quarters of the student body at 74.92%. Half of students are Hispanic (50.32%) and 98.11% come from within California, reflecting the institute's focus on serving the local healthcare workforce needs.

How much does Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $29,950 annually, with costs varying by family income from $29,548 for the lowest earners to $33,477 for middle-income families. The school primarily operates as a for-profit institution with limited institutional aid, as only 6.19% of students receive institutional grants.

What are the class sizes like at Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos?

The student-faculty ratio is 25:1, which is typical for career-focused medical training programs that emphasize hands-on learning. The institute specializes in healthcare education with programs designed to prepare students for support roles in medical settings.

What kind of job prospects do Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos graduates have?

Graduates achieve a strong 94.4% employment rate, reflecting high demand for healthcare workers in the San Marcos area. However, median earnings start at $33,913 one year after graduation and reach $38,673 after ten years, which is modest compared to four-year degree programs.

Where is Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos located?

The campus sits in San Marcos, California, a large suburban area in North County San Diego. This location provides access to numerous healthcare facilities and medical centers where students can gain practical experience and find employment after graduation.

How successful are students at completing their programs at Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos?

The six-year graduation rate is 58.30%, which reflects the challenges many career college students face balancing work and family obligations. With median debt of just $9,500 and monthly loan payments of $101, graduates avoid the heavy debt burden common at other institutions.