Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Barton County Community College

Based on comparable programs across Kansas, medical assisting graduates typically earn around $44,200 in their first year—placing them above the national median for this field by roughly $7,000. The estimated debt load of $17,000 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, meaning less than four months of gross income would cover the total borrowed. For context, similar programs in Kansas typically carry slightly higher debt ($19,500), giving this program a potential cost advantage if the estimate holds true.

The limited graduate sample size that triggers these estimates is worth noting—it suggests either a small cohort or varying enrollment patterns. Kansas appears particularly strong for medical assisting careers, with peer programs like Hutchinson and Washburn reporting first-year earnings in the mid-to-high $40,000s. That said, the range extends down to $35,000 at some institutions, highlighting that outcomes can vary significantly even within the same state and credential type.

For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals look reasonable: estimated debt that's less than half of first-year earnings in a healthcare field with steady demand. However, you're making this decision without school-specific outcome data. Before committing, contact Barton's program directly to ask about recent graduate placement rates and typical employer partnerships—information that can help validate whether these statewide estimates reflect what their students actually experience.