Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Blue Cliff College-Alexandria

Blue Cliff College-Alexandria's Allied Health program delivers concerning outcomes that should give parents pause. With first-year earnings of just $19,788, graduates earn significantly less than both the national median ($27,186) and Louisiana state median ($22,869) for this field. The program ranks in only the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs across the country produce better-earning graduates.

Within Louisiana, the picture is somewhat less dire but still problematic. While the program ranks in the 40th percentile statewide, graduates still earn $3,000 less annually than the state median. More troubling, nearby community colleges like Delgado ($29,905) and Baton Rouge Community College ($28,935) deliver substantially higher earnings—often $8,000-$10,000 more per year. The debt load of $13,116 isn't excessive compared to national averages, but when paired with such low earnings, it creates a debt-to-income ratio that limits financial flexibility.

The high Pell grant percentage (81%) suggests this program serves a vulnerable population that particularly needs strong employment outcomes. While earnings do grow 12% over four years, the absolute dollars remain concerning. For a field where earning potential matters immediately, parents should seriously consider whether their child might achieve better outcomes at Louisiana's community college alternatives, which offer similar training with significantly higher earning potential.