At $21,967/yr net price, Valley College of Medical Careers graduates earn $37,453/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,453/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,967 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,868 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,453/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,453/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 25.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 78.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,876 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,578/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,322/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,697/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $24,267 | $8,109 |
The Risk Factor
78.6% of students at Valley College of Medical Careers graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 21% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Valley College of Medical Careers gives you a weak financial return. You pay nearly $22,000 a year in net price, and ten years after enrolling the median graduate earns just over $37,000. That earnings figure barely clears what many workers make without any postsecondary training, and it comes after you've already spent multiple years and thousands of dollars to get there.
Every program here is a certificate, not a degree, so treat these as short-credential outcomes. The two highest-paying tracks, Health and Medical Administrative Services and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, land around $34,000. Allied Health and Medical Assisting pays even less, closer to $24,000, which is the weakest payoff of the three. None of these certificates puts you on a path to strong earnings in the Los Angeles-area cost of living.
The bright spot is debt. Median debt sits under $9,000, low enough that you won't be buried after leaving. Medical Assisting graduates borrow around $8,100. So the risk here isn't a crushing loan balance. The risk is the price itself: you're paying out of pocket or through grants for a credential that returns modest wages.
Notice the net price runs backward from what you'd expect. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay the least. families making $48,000 to $75,000 pay the most, over $25,000 a year. Higher-income families get no price break here.
This school fits you if you want a fast healthcare certificate, plan to keep borrowing minimal, and treat this as a quick entry into medical assisting or administration. Look elsewhere if you're expecting the certificate to lift your income well above entry level, because the earnings data says it won't.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valley College of Medical Careers worth the cost?
With graduates earning $37,453 after 10 years and annual costs of $21,967, Valley College of Medical Careers offers modest returns. The relatively low median debt of $8,876 reduces financial risk, but earnings potential remains limited compared to four-year degrees.
What programs at Valley College of Medical Careers have the best ROI?
Health and Medical Administrative Services and Allied Health Diagnostic programs both lead to $33,993 median earnings, making them the strongest options. Medical Assisting Services pays significantly less at $24,267, making it a weaker choice financially.
How much debt do Valley College of Medical Careers graduates typically have?
The median debt is $8,876, which is manageable compared to many colleges. However, with starting salaries around $37,000, graduates will still need several years to pay off loans while covering living expenses.
Does Valley College of Medical Careers have good graduation rates?
The 78.6% graduation rate is solid for a career college. Most students who enroll do complete their programs, though the relatively low earning potential afterward remains a concern for ROI.