Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Arkansas State University Mid-South

In Arkansas, allied health programs show a wide earnings spread—from $36,000 to over $52,000 in the first year—making the institutional choice particularly significant. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates from Arkansas State University Mid-South's associate degree track would likely start around $41,000, which lands at the state median but notably trails NorthWest Arkansas Community College's outcomes by more than $11,000 annually.

The estimated debt load of roughly $17,000 creates a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning your child would owe less than half their first-year salary. This is considerably lighter than the national median debt of nearly $20,000 for similar programs. For a two-year credential, that's a realistic repayment scenario, even if earnings don't climb quickly in those early years.

The challenge is that with only estimated figures available, you're making decisions without seeing this specific program's actual track record. If your child has the option to attend NorthWest Arkansas Community College instead—and if the location works—that program's demonstrated $52,000 starting salary could justify extra commuting or relocation costs. But if Mid-South is the accessible choice and your family prioritizes keeping debt low while entering healthcare quickly, the estimated numbers suggest a workable path, just not necessarily the strongest earning potential in the state.