Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Carrington College-Tucson

Carrington College-Tucson's Allied Health program delivers solid but not exceptional returns, with graduates earning $29,556 in their first year—about $2,400 above the national median for these programs. Among Arizona's 32 allied health programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most but falls short of the top tier. The debt load of $9,174 is reasonable, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, though it's slightly higher than typical for this field nationally.

The concerning reality is that earnings growth is essentially flat—graduates make virtually the same four years out as they do initially. This "early peak" pattern means your child will likely hit their earning ceiling quickly. While the immediate job prospects appear decent given that 61% of students receive Pell grants (indicating the program serves lower-income students successfully), the lack of wage progression is limiting. Top Arizona programs like Pima Medical Institute show graduates can earn $2,000+ more annually in this same field.

For families seeking affordable healthcare career training with quick entry to the workforce, this program meets that goal without excessive debt burden. However, if long-term earning potential matters more than immediate employment, exploring higher-performing Arizona alternatives would be wise, as the earnings ceiling here appears firmly set around $30,000.