Analysis
Based on comparable Allied Health programs in Maryland, Cecil College graduates can expect first-year earnings around $40,345 against estimated debt of $18,445—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that signals manageable repayment. This puts the program squarely at Maryland's median for this field, though it's worth noting that Carroll Community College's graduates earn roughly $9,000 more annually in similar programs. The estimated debt load sits just below the national median of $19,825, which matters when you're looking at entry-level healthcare support positions.
The earnings figure aligns closely with the national median of $36,862, suggesting Maryland's healthcare market offers a slight premium. With debt representing less than half of first-year income, graduates should be able to manage payments without severe financial strain, assuming they secure work quickly in medical assisting or related support roles. However, these are peer-program estimates rather than tracked outcomes from Cecil specifically, so individual results will vary based on local job placement and the specific Allied Health track completed.
For an anxious parent, the numbers suggest reasonable financial risk for a two-year credential that leads to stable healthcare employment. The debt burden won't be crushing, but the earning potential is modest—this is a practical pathway into healthcare rather than a high-earning investment. Before committing, confirm which specific Allied Health concentration Cecil offers and whether local employers actively hire from the program.
Where Cecil College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,370 | $40,345* | — | $18,445* | — | |
| $4,128 | $49,776* | $48,776 | $18,445* | 0.37 | |
| $3,744 | $40,345* | — | $20,000* | 0.50 | |
| $4,730 | $34,372* | $41,880 | $18,357* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $36,862* | — | $19,825* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
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 Cecil College, approximately 26% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.