Health and Medical Administrative Services at Arizona College-Glendale

The earnings trajectory here raises a red flag that demands attention: graduates start above the national median at $35,519, then see their income drop to $27,700 by year four—a 22% decline that runs counter to what typically happens as workers gain experience. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data, the pattern suggests graduates may be landing in positions without clear advancement paths or experiencing difficulty maintaining employment in their field.

That said, the initial numbers aren't terrible for an associate degree. First-year earnings exceed the national median for this program, and the debt load of $19,099 is manageable—representing just over half of first-year income. Among Arizona's 21 programs, this sits right at the state median, though several community college options like Pima deliver notably higher outcomes. The 73% Pell Grant rate indicates this school serves many lower-income students who may have limited alternatives.

The core question is whether that downward earnings trend reflects something real or statistical noise. Given the uncertainty, this program makes most sense for students who already have healthcare connections or job prospects lined up, rather than those hoping the credential alone will open doors. The debt is recoverable if earnings stabilize, but you're essentially betting that the year-four numbers don't tell the full story.