2023 Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California
A healthcare student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. 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 help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Healthcare Degree Search has developed this Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Our analysis looked at 387 schools in California to see which programs were the most popular for healthcare students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.
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Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California
Learn more about these popular schools below:
Our 2023 rankings named University of Southern California the most popular school in California for healthcare students working on their degree. USC is a private not-for-profit institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,950 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from USC accumulate an average of $15,661 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $489, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, USC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $65,044 during the early year of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.
A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Unitek College is a great place for healthcare students. Unitek College is a small private for-profit school situated in Fremont, California. It awarded 1,758 degrees 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.After graduating from Unitek College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,641 during the early years of their career. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.
You’ll be in good company if you attend West Coast University - Orange County. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California list. Anaheim, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,596 students in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $35,896 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $639 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, West Coast University - Orange County graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $79,576 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.
Out of the 387 schools in California that were part of this year’s ranking, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences landed the # 4 spot on the list. USAHS is a private for-profit institution located in San Marcos, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,515 degrees in 2020-2021.
After graduating from USAHS, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $70,345 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.
Read full report on University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California list. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a small private for-profit school situated in San Mateo, California. It awarded 1,454 degrees 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. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $118. During the early years of their career, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts graduates make an average of $52,087 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.
Loma Linda University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Located in Loma Linda, California, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 1,446 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $27,492 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $416 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Loma Linda University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $77,096 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.
With a ranking of #7, National University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. National University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in La Jolla, California. It awarded 1,319 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,362 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $198, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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.
Sierra College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #8 on the list. Located in Rocklin, California, the fairly large public school handed out 1,203 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $16,268 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.
California State University - Northridge did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #9 on the list. CSUN is a public institution located in Northridge, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,194 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from CSUN accumulate an average of $18,166 in student debt by the time they complete 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. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #11, California State University - Fullerton did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. This large public school is located in Fullerton, California, and it awarded 1,124 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,931 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $191, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Cal State Fullerton graduates make an average of $47,875 annually. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.
California State University - Long Beach landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Long Beach, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,033 students in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,702 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, CSULB graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,445 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.
American Career College - Los Angeles landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. American Career College - Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 947 degrees to qualified students.
Degree recipients from American Career College - Los Angeles accumulate an average of $18,684 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $126, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from American Career College - Los Angeles, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,752 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.
Carrington College, Sacramento did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #14 on the list. Carrington College, Sacramento is a small private for-profit school situated in Sacramento, California. It awarded 937 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,403 in student loans. 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.After graduating from Carrington College, Sacramento, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,519 during the early years of their career. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.
University of California - San Francisco landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Located in San Francisco, California, the small public school handed out 934 degrees in 2020-2021.
Once they receive their degree, UCSF graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $86,882 during the early year of their career. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.
Samuel Merritt University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #16 on the list. Samuel Merritt University is located in Oakland, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 918 degrees to qualified students.
On average, students take out $28,570 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $551. Once they receive their degree, Samuel Merritt University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $96,872 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.
San Diego State University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. San Diego, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 863 students in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,150 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $251 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, SDSU graduates make an average of $45,826 annually. Around 82% of those degree recipients were women.
University of California - Irvine did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for healthcare students. It came in at #18 on the list. This large public school is located in Irvine, California, and it awarded 832 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from UC Irvine accumulate an average of $16,722 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 $209. Once they receive their degree, UC Irvine graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,120 during the early year of their career. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.
California State University - East Bay landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular healthcare programs. Hayward, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 815 students in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from Cal State East Bay accumulate an average of $20,301 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 $176.After graduating from Cal State East Bay, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,422 during the early years of their career. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #20, National Holistic Institute did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. National Holistic Institute is located in Emeryville, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 801 degrees to qualified students.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,970 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $74. Once they receive their degree, National Holistic Institute graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $22,470 during the early year of their career. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.
California State University - Los Angeles ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California list. Located in Los Angeles, California, the large public school handed out 791 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from Cal State LA accumulate an average of $17,712 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Cal State LA graduates make an average of $43,734 annually. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.
Azusa Pacific University ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California list. Azusa Pacific is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Azusa, California. It awarded 785 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,855 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $276, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Azusa Pacific, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,840 during the early years of their career. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #22, University of California - Los Angeles did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for healthcare students working. This large public school is located in Los Angeles, California, and it awarded 785 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,277 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $278, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UCLA, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,838 during the early years of their career. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.
West Coast University - Los Angeles ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California list. West Coast University - Los Angeles is located in North Hollywood, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 778 degrees to qualified students.
On average, students take out $35,896 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $639, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, West Coast University - Los Angeles graduates make an average of $78,592 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.
Contra Costa Medical Career College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California ranking. Contra Costa Medical Career College is a very small private for-profit school located in Antioch, California that handed out 759 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from Contra Costa Medical Career College accumulate an average of $7,127 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.
Rest of the Top 50 Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California
Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:
Most Popular Healthcare Schools in the Far Western US Region
View Most Popular Healthcare Schools Nationwide >
Rest of the Top 15% Most Popular Healthcare Schools in California
To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | Concorde Career College - San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA |
| 52 | California State University - San Marcos | San Marcos, CA |
| 53 | Butte College | Oroville, CA |
| 54 | UEI College-Bakersfield | Bakersfield, CA |
| 55 | Concorde Career College - San Diego | San Diego, CA |
| 56 | University of California - Davis | Davis, CA |
| 57 | United States University | San Diego, CA |
| 58 | Santa Ana College | Santa Ana, CA |
| 59 | City College of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA |
Honorable Mentions
These schools also performed well in our most popular healthcare schools ranking:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | UEI College-Gardena | Gardena, CA |
| 61 | West Coast Ultrasound Institute | Beverly Hills, CA |
| 62 | Concorde Career College - Garden Grove | Garden Grove, CA |
| 63 | Downey Adult School | Downey, CA |
| 64 | Chapman University | Orange, CA |
| 65 | Southwestern College | Chula Vista, CA |
| 66 | College of the Sequoias | Visalia, CA |
| 67 | UEI College-Riverside | Riverside, CA |
| 68 | Palomar College | San Marcos, CA |
| 69 | Stanbridge University | Irvine, CA |
| 70 | Diablo Valley College | Pleasant Hill, CA |
| 71 | UEI College-Fresno | Fresno, CA |
| 72 | Concorde Career College - North Hollywood | North Hollywood, CA |
| 72 | Healthcare Career College | Paramount, CA |
| 74 | Allan Hancock College | Santa Maria, CA |
| 75 | California State University - San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA |
| 75 | UEI College-Sacramento | Sacramento, CA |
| 77 | Citrus College | Glendora, CA |
| 78 | Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science | Los Angeles, 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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