Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,556
66th percentile (60th in NM)
Median Debt
$9,174
3% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.31
Manageable
Sample Size
608
Adequate data

Analysis

This Carrington College program delivers solid value for students entering allied health, with earnings that outperform both national and state medians while keeping debt manageable. Graduates earn $29,556 in their first year—about $2,400 more than the national median for similar programs and ranking in the 66th percentile nationally. In New Mexico specifically, the program performs at the 60th percentile, putting it in the upper half of state offerings.

The debt picture is reasonable given the field's earning potential. At $9,174, student debt is actually slightly below both national and state medians for this program type, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31—meaning graduates can expect to earn about three times their debt load in their first year. With 62% of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves many students who need affordable career training.

The main concern is minimal earnings growth—just 1% from year one to year four, suggesting this field has limited advancement potential without additional credentials. However, for students seeking quick entry into healthcare with manageable debt, this program offers a practical path. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes, making it a solid choice for students prioritizing job market entry over long-term earning growth.

Where Carrington College-Albuquerque Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally

Carrington College-AlbuquerqueOther allied health and medical assisting services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Carrington College-Albuquerque graduates compare to all programs nationally

Carrington College-Albuquerque graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 66th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New Mexico

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in New Mexico (15 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Carrington College-Albuquerque$29,556$29,935$9,1740.31
Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque$29,432$28,159$9,5000.32
Brookline College-Albuquerque$27,966$28,145$9,5000.34
National Median$27,186—$9,5000.35

Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in New Mexico

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Mexico schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque
Albuquerque
—$29,432$9,500
Brookline College-Albuquerque
Albuquerque
—$27,966$9,500

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Carrington College-Albuquerque, approximately 62% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 608 graduates with reported earnings and 658 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.