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Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in California

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2023 Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in California

47 Schools Ranked
$43,905 Average Earnings
$18,481 Avg Student Debt

A healthcare student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Healthcare Degree Search has developed this Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Our analysis looked at 47 schools in California to see which online programs were the most popular for healthcare students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

San Mateo, California
1,454 Total Awards
$52,087 Average Earnings
$18,438 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts the most popular school in California for healthcare students working on their degree. Located in San Mateo, California, the small private for-profit school awarded 1,454 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,438 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $118 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,087 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Read full report on Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

1,515 Total Awards
$70,345 Average Earnings

Out of the 47 schools in California that were part of this year’s ranking, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences landed the # 2 spot on the list. USAHS is a medium-sized private for-profit school situated in San Marcos, California. It awarded 1,515 degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, USAHS graduates make an average of $70,345 annually. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Report

#3

National University

La Jolla, California
1,319 Total Awards
$58,580 Average Earnings
$31,362 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend National University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in California list. National University is located in La Jolla, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,319 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,362 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $198. During the early years of their career, National University graduates make an average of $58,580 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read full report on National University

#5

Unitek College

Fremont, California
1,758 Total Awards
$49,641 Average Earnings
$16,947 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Unitek College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular healthcare schools in California. Located in Fremont, California, the small private for-profit school awarded 1,758 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Unitek College accumulate an average of $16,947 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $130. During the early years of their career, Unitek College graduates make an average of $49,641 annually. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

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#6

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

Visalia, California
696 Total Awards
$39,446 Average Earnings
$17,199 Avg Student Debt

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Located in Visalia, California, the small private for-profit school awarded 696 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,199 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $102. Once they receive their degree, San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,446 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Full San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia Report

#7

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, California
605 Total Awards
$73,348 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #7, Saddleback College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Saddleback College is located in Mission Viejo, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 605 degrees to qualified students.

Once they receive their degree, Saddleback College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $73,348 during the early year of their career. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Saddleback College

631 Total Awards
$44,452 Average Earnings
$18,973 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Dominguez Hills landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. This fairly large public school is located in Carson, California, and it awarded 631 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from CSUDH accumulate an average of $18,973 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, CSUDH graduates make an average of $44,452 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

Read full report on California State University - Dominguez Hills

#9

Carrington College, Sacramento

Sacramento, California
937 Total Awards
$39,519 Average Earnings
$22,403 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Carrington College, Sacramento did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. This small private for-profit school is located in Sacramento, California, and it awarded 937 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,403 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $94 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Carrington College, Sacramento graduates make an average of $39,519 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

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#10

Brandman University

Irvine, California
302 Total Awards
$60,858 Average Earnings
$29,571 Avg Student Debt

Brandman University ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in California list. Brandman University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Irvine, California that handed out 302 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Brandman accumulate an average of $29,571 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Brandman graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $60,858 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

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#11

Azusa Pacific University College

San Dimas, California
141 Total Awards
$34,976 Avg Student Debt

Azusa Pacific University College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Azusa Pacific University College is a small private not-for-profit school located in San Dimas, California that handed out 141 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Azusa Pacific’s University College accumulate an average of $34,976 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Read full report on Azusa Pacific University College

#12

Hypnosis Motivation Institute

Tarzana, California
98 Total Awards
$24,397 Average Earnings
$15,461 Avg Student Debt

Hypnosis Motivation Institute did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #12 on the list. Located in Tarzana, California, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 98 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,461 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Hypnosis Motivation Institute graduates make an average of $24,397 annually. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

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#13

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara, California
219 Total Awards
$53,400 Average Earnings
$18,628 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Santa Barbara City College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. SBCC is a public institution located in Santa Barbara, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 219 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from SBCC accumulate an average of $18,628 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from SBCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,400 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

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#14

California State University - Northridge

Northridge, California
1,194 Total Awards
$44,924 Average Earnings
$18,166 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, California State University - Northridge did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. This large public school is located in Northridge, California, and it awarded 1,194 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,166 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from CSUN, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,924 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Full California State University - Northridge Report

#15

Compton College

Compton, California
64 Total Awards

Compton College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. This small public school is located in Compton, California, and it awarded 64 degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

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#16

Merced College

Merced, California
252 Total Awards
$54,460 Average Earnings
$9,785 Avg Student Debt

Merced College ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in California list. Located in Merced, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 252 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,785 in student loans.After graduating from Merced Community College District, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,460 during the early years of their career. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Merced College Report

#16

United States University

San Diego, California
458 Total Awards
$85,412 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #16, United States University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. USU is located in San Diego, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 458 degrees to qualified students.

Once they receive their degree, USU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $85,412 during the early year of their career. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.

Full United States University Report

#18

Northcentral University

San Diego, California
238 Total Awards
$56,007 Average Earnings
$28,423 Avg Student Debt

Northcentral University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Located in San Diego, California, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 238 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Northcentral University accumulate an average of $28,423 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Northcentral University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $56,007 during the early year of their career. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,596 Total Awards
$79,576 Average Earnings
$35,896 Avg Student Debt

West Coast University - Orange County did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #19 on the list. Located in Anaheim, California, the small private for-profit school awarded 1,596 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from West Coast University - Orange County accumulate an average of $35,896 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $639. During the early years of their career, West Coast University - Orange County graduates make an average of $79,576 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

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#20

Laurus College

San Luis Obispo, California
37 Total Awards
$27,442 Average Earnings
$35,609 Avg Student Debt

Laurus College ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in California list. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the very small private for-profit school awarded 37 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $35,609 in student loans.After graduating from Laurus College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $27,442 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Full Laurus College Report

#21

University of the People

Pasadena, California
35 Total Awards

With a ranking of #21, University of the People did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. This large private not-for-profit school is located in Pasadena, California, and it awarded 35 degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Read More…

#22

National Career College

Panorama City, California
154 Total Awards
$31,018 Average Earnings
$8,323 Avg Student Debt

National Career College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in California ranking. National Career College is a very small private for-profit school situated in Panorama City, California. It awarded 154 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $8,323 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $34, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, National Career College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,018 during the early year of their career. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

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#23

University of Antelope Valley

Lancaster, California
176 Total Awards
$26,173 Average Earnings
$16,346 Avg Student Debt

University of Antelope Valley landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. UAV is a very small private for-profit school situated in Lancaster, California. It awarded 176 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,346 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $131, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UAV graduates make an average of $26,173 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read full report on University of Antelope Valley

#23

Stanbridge University

Irvine, California
386 Total Awards
$57,317 Average Earnings
$27,995 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Stanbridge University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. Stanbridge University is a small private for-profit school located in Irvine, California that handed out 386 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,995 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $226 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Stanbridge graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $57,317 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

Full Stanbridge University Report

#25

Fremont College

Cerritos, California
48 Total Awards
$30,844 Average Earnings

Fremont College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #25 on the list. Located in Cerritos, California, the very small private for-profit school handed out 48 degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, Fremont College graduates make an average of $30,844 annually. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

Most Popular Online Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region

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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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