Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences charges significantly more than most North Carolina community colleges for allied health training, yet graduates actually earn less four years out than they did in year one. Starting at $37,422—above the state median and ranking in the 60th percentile among NC programs—earnings drop to $34,382 by year four, a pattern that's worth understanding before committing to $23,307 in debt.

The comparison to nearby alternatives is stark. Martin Community College and Southwestern Community College both produce graduates earning over $42,000, with likely lower debt loads given their community college pricing. Even Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, practically down the road, achieves similar first-year outcomes without the private college price tag. The debt here isn't catastrophic—the 0.62 ratio means graduates owe about seven months of their starting salary—but it's higher than what most NC programs require for comparable or better results.

The earnings decline suggests either credential limitations or plateaued career paths in medical assisting roles. For families willing to pay more for smaller class sizes and a focused health sciences environment, this program delivers solid initial placement. But if cost matters—and given that only 28% of students here receive Pell grants, many families are paying out of pocket—the community college alternatives offer better value without sacrificing earnings potential.