At $29,950/yr net price, Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos 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) | $29,950 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $119,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,673/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,673/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 25.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.3% |
| 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 | $29,548/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $32,615/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,477/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. | Associate | $45,723 | $26,524 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,140 | $8,890 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $26,254 | $3,166 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $25,277 | $8,707 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,121 | $8,508 |
The Risk Factor
58.3% of students at Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos 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-San Marcos delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $38,673 barely justifying the $29,950 annual cost. The 58% graduation rate means four out of ten students leave without completing their programs.
Your program choice makes all the difference here. Allied Health Diagnostic and Intervention programs lead to $54,438 in median earnings, making the $26,923 debt load manageable. Medical Assisting Services shows mixed results with one track earning $45,723 but another paying just $27,140 for similar debt levels. Health Administration graduates earn only $25,277, creating a poor debt-to-income ratio.
The school's main financial risk is program inconsistency. Two Medical Assisting tracks have identical names but wildly different earning outcomes, making it difficult to know which version you're entering. Clinical Laboratory programs offer the lowest debt at $3,166 but also lower earnings at $26,254.
You should consider Pima San Marcos only if you can secure admission to the high-earning Allied Health Diagnostic program and plan to work in Southern California's competitive healthcare market. The region's high cost of living makes the lower-paying programs financially problematic.
Look elsewhere if you're considering Health Administration or the lower-paying Medical Assisting track. Community colleges offer similar programs at much lower costs. With only 42% of students receiving financial aid, most pay full price, making careful program selection critical for your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos worth the cost?
With a net price of nearly $30,000 per year and median earnings of only $38,673 after 10 years, the return on investment is weak for most programs. Only the Allied Health Diagnostic program shows strong earnings potential at $54,438.
What are the best paying programs at Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos?
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions leads at $54,438 in median earnings, followed by Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at $45,723. Other programs fall significantly lower, with some barely reaching $25,000.
How much debt do Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos graduates have?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,500, which helps offset the school's poor earnings outcomes. However, with a 58% graduation rate, many students may leave with debt and no degree.
Do Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos graduates struggle to find good jobs?
With median earnings of $38,673 ten years after enrollment, graduates earn less than many two-year degree holders nationwide. The low graduation rate of 58% suggests many students don't complete their programs successfully.