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Best Value Healthcare Schools in California

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2023 Best Value Healthcare Schools in California

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

125 Schools Ranked
$8,698 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$18,481 Avg Student Debt*

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for healthcare students. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Healthcare Degree Search has created its Best Value Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Our analysis looked at 125 schools in California to see which programs offered the best value experiences for healthcare students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

When determining this ranking, we place a high emphasis on the school's quality as well as its sticker price. Even though a college may be affordable, it may not offer value. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

Our calculations use out-of-state tuition and fees in our nationwide and regional rankings. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Healthcare Schools in California

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Merced College

Merced, California
252 Total Awards
$7,444 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Merced College the best value school in California for healthcare students working on their degree. Located in Merced, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 252 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Merced Community College District are $7,444 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $9,785 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Merced Community College District graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $54,460 during the early year of their career.

In addition to its great value ranking, Merced Community College District is in the top 5% of all schools on our Best Healthcare Schools in California list.

Full Merced College Report

#2

Foothill College

Los Altos Hills, California
220 Total Awards
$10,790 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Foothill College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Schools in California list. Foothill College is located in Los Altos Hills, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 220 degrees to qualified students.

Foothill College undergraduate students pay an average of $10,790 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $13,949 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Foothill College graduates make an average of $97,367 annually.

Foothill College excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 10% of all schools on our Best Healthcare Schools in California list.

Read full report on Foothill College

#3

Mendocino College

Ukiah, California
206 Total Awards
$8,443 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 125 schools in California that were part of this year’s ranking, Mendocino College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Mendocino College is a small public school located in Ukiah, California that handed out 206 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Mendocino College are $8,443 a year. On average, students take out $20,626 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Mendocino College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $60,370 during the early years of their career.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, Mendocino College also is in the top 10% of our Best Healthcare Schools in California ranking.

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#4

West Hills College-Lemoore

Lemoore, California
182 Total Awards
$10,590 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means West Hills College-Lemoore is a great place for healthcare students who want to get the most value for their educational dollar. Lemoore, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 182 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at West Hills College-Lemoore are $10,590 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,437 in student loans. During the early years of their career, West Hills College-Lemoore graduates make an average of $36,696 annually.

In addition to its great value ranking, West Hills College-Lemoore is in the top 10% of all schools on our Best Healthcare Schools in California list.

Read full report on West Hills College-Lemoore

#5

Canada College

Redwood City, California
96 Total Awards
$9,006 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Canada College is a great place for healthcare students who want to get the most value for their educational dollar. Redwood City, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 96 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Canada College are $9,006 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,439 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Canada College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $92,243 during the early year of their career.

In addition to its great value ranking, Canada College is in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Healthcare Schools in California list.

Read full report on Canada College

#6

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, California
604 Total Awards
$8,702 Average Tuition & Fees

Cuesta College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Cuesta College is a medium-sized public school situated in San Luis Obispo, California. It awarded 604 degrees in 2020-2021.

Cuesta College undergraduate students pay an average of $8,702 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,466 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Cuesta College graduates make an average of $48,355 annually.

Cuesta College also claimed a spot on our Best Healthcare Schools in California list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools in this category.

Read full report on Cuesta College

#7

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara, California
219 Total Awards
$8,912 Average Tuition & Fees

Santa Barbara City College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in California ranking. SBCC is located in Santa Barbara, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 219 degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at SBCC are $8,912 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,628 in student loans.After graduating from SBCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,400 during the early years of their career.

In addition to its great value ranking, SBCC is in the top 20% of all schools on our Best Healthcare Schools in California list.

Read full report on Santa Barbara City College

#8

Crafton Hills College

Yucaipa, California
208 Total Awards
$8,498 Average Tuition & Fees

Crafton Hills College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value healthcare programs. Located in Yucaipa, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 208 degrees in 2020-2021.

CHC undergraduate students pay an average of $8,498 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,031 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, CHC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $67,145 during the early year of their career.

Full Crafton Hills College Report

#9

Butte College

Oroville, California
472 Total Awards
$7,848 Average Tuition & Fees

Butte College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value healthcare programs. Butte College is a medium-sized public school situated in Oroville, California. It awarded 472 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Butte College are $7,848 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $16,178 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Butte College graduates make an average of $56,786 annually.

Read More…

#10

Mt. San Antonio College

Walnut, California
310 Total Awards
$10,032 Average Tuition & Fees

Mt. San Antonio College ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Schools in California list. This large public school is located in Walnut, California, and it awarded 310 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Mt. SAC are $10,032 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,903 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Mt. SAC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,883 during the early year of their career.

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#11

San Joaquin Delta College

Stockton, California
289 Total Awards
$9,072 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,629 Avg Student Debt

San Joaquin Delta College ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Schools in California list. Stockton, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 289 students in 2020-2021.

Delta undergraduate students pay an average of $9,072 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,629 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Delta graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,671 during the early year of their career.

Full San Joaquin Delta College Report

#12

Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, California
636 Total Awards
$8,952 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,715 Avg Student Debt

Santa Rosa Junior College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #12 on the list. SRJC is a public institution located in Santa Rosa, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 636 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at SRJC are $8,952 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,715 in student loans. During the early years of their career, SRJC graduates make an average of $63,295 annually.

Read full report on Santa Rosa Junior College

#13

Cabrillo College

Aptos, California
174 Total Awards
$8,630 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,746 Avg Student Debt

Cabrillo College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Located in Aptos, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 174 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Cabrillo College are $8,630 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,746 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Cabrillo College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,254 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#14

Napa Valley College

Napa, California
142 Total Awards
$8,734 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,735 Avg Student Debt

Napa Valley College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value healthcare programs. Napa Valley College is a public institution located in Napa, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 142 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Napa Valley College are $8,734 per year. On average, students take out $12,735 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Napa Valley College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $64,681 during the early year of their career.

Full Napa Valley College Report

#15

Yuba College

Marysville, California
108 Total Awards
$7,488 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,974 Avg Student Debt

Yuba College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Schools in California list. Marysville, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 108 students in 2020-2021.

Yuba College undergraduate students pay an average of $7,488 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $9,974 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Yuba College graduates make an average of $85,607 annually.

Read full report on Yuba College

#16

Gavilan College

Gilroy, California
151 Total Awards
$7,214 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,082 Avg Student Debt

Gavilan College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Located in Gilroy, California, the small public school handed out 151 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Gavilan College are $7,214 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,082 in student loans.After graduating from Gavilan College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $76,615 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#17

Modesto Junior College

Modesto, California
253 Total Awards
$8,550 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,193 Avg Student Debt

Modesto Junior College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value healthcare programs. Modesto Junior College is a fairly large public school located in Modesto, California that handed out 253 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at MJC are $8,550 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $11,193 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, MJC graduates make an average of $42,887 annually.

Full Modesto Junior College Report

#18

West Hills College-Coalinga

Coalinga, California
76 Total Awards
$10,590 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,046 Avg Student Debt

West Hills College-Coalinga came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in California ranking. West Hills College-Coalinga is a small public school located in Coalinga, California that handed out 76 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at West Hills College-Coalinga are $10,590 a year. On average, students take out $13,046 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from West Hills College-Coalinga, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,800 during the early years of their career.

Full West Hills College-Coalinga Report

#19

Victor Valley College

Victorville, California
696 Total Awards
$9,374 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,419 Avg Student Debt

Victor Valley College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #19 on the list. Victor Valley College is a medium-sized public school situated in Victorville, California. It awarded 696 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Victor Valley College are $9,374 per year. On average, students take out $12,419 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Victor Valley College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,632 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#20

Los Angeles City College

Los Angeles, California
524 Total Awards
$9,012 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,713 Avg Student Debt

Los Angeles City College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Schools in California list. Located in Los Angeles, California, the fairly large public school awarded 524 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Los Angeles City College are $9,012 per year. On average, students take out $14,713 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Los Angeles City College graduates make an average of $63,909 annually.

Read full report on Los Angeles City College

#21

College of the Sequoias

Visalia, California
407 Total Awards
$8,338 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,085 Avg Student Debt

College of the Sequoias came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in California ranking. College of the Sequoias is a public institution located in Visalia, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 407 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at College of the Sequoias are $8,338 per year. On average, students take out $11,085 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, College of the Sequoias graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,164 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on College of the Sequoias

#22

Sacramento City College

Sacramento, California
201 Total Awards
$10,168 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,875 Avg Student Debt

Sacramento City College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #22 on the list. Sacramento City College is a fairly large public school located in Sacramento, California that handed out 201 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Sacramento City are $10,168 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $14,875 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Sacramento City graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $56,334 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#23

Glendale Community College

Glendale, California
211 Total Awards
$7,531 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,310 Avg Student Debt

Glendale Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #23 on the list. GCC is a fairly large public school situated in Glendale, California. It awarded 211 degrees in 2020-2021.

GCC undergraduate students pay an average of $7,531 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $17,310 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, GCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,295 during the early year of their career.

Full Glendale Community College Report

#24

Ventura College

Ventura, California
189 Total Awards
$7,398 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,425 Avg Student Debt

Ventura College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Ventura College is a public institution located in Ventura, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 189 degrees in 2020-2021.

Ventura College undergraduate students pay an average of $7,398 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $14,425 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Ventura College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,968 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Ventura College

#25

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, California
605 Total Awards
$10,292 Average Tuition & Fees

Saddleback College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Schools in California list. Saddleback College is a fairly large public school located in Mission Viejo, California that handed out 605 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Saddleback College are $10,292 per year. During the early years of their career, Saddleback College graduates make an average of $73,348 annually.

Full Saddleback College Report

Best Value Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best healthcare schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 American River College Sacramento, CA

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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