Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies at Carrington College-Tucson

Carrington College-Tucson's health aide program outperforms 75% of similar programs nationwide while keeping debt remarkably low—graduates owe just $7,680, which equals roughly three months of earnings. That's a manageable burden for a certificate program that gets students working quickly. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes across cohorts.

Within Arizona, this program matches the state median for earnings, tying with Carrington's other campuses. What matters more here is the national comparison: earning $26,105 in Tucson goes further than the same salary in pricier markets, giving graduates real purchasing power. The nearly flat earnings trajectory over four years is typical for health aide roles, which tend to plateau quickly but offer stable employment—important for the 61% of students here who rely on Pell grants.

The value proposition is straightforward: minimal debt, quick entry to healthcare work, and earnings that beat three-quarters of competing programs. For students seeking stable employment without taking on substantial loans, this program delivers exactly what it promises. The lack of earnings growth means career advancement likely requires additional credentials, but as a first step into healthcare, it's a solid foundation.