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

Starting salaries under $22,000 mean this program struggles to justify its $26,000 price tag, even as earnings slowly climb to $24,000 by year four. While the debt load itself isn't unusual for associate degrees, earning 20% below Louisiana's median for medical assisting programs—and ranking near the bottom 5% nationally—creates a difficult financial picture for graduates.

The comparison to other Louisiana programs is particularly stark. Community colleges like Delgado and Bossier Parish produce graduates earning nearly double what Blue Cliff students make, often with similar or lower debt loads. Even accounting for Blue Cliff's high-need student population (78% receive Pell grants), the earnings gap is too wide to ignore. Medical assistants typically earn more than what these numbers suggest, which raises questions about job placement outcomes or the types of positions graduates secure.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: you're taking on more than a year's salary in debt for a credential that leads to earnings below the poverty line initially. Unless your child has specific circumstances that make Blue Cliff uniquely accessible—like location constraints or scheduling needs—Louisiana's community colleges offer demonstrably better returns in this field. If Blue Cliff remains the only option, ensure you understand exactly what job placement support comes with that investment.