Location: Grand Island, NE•In-State Tuition: $3,360•Out-of-State Tuition: $4,800
Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,307
52nd percentile
40th percentile in Nebraska
Median Debt
$16,250
18% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.44 ManageableSample: 39 graduates

Analysis

Central Community College's graduates start around the national median but fall behind within Nebraska, where this program ranks in just the 40th percentile. That gap matters: top Nebraska programs like Northeast Community College ($42,190) produce starting salaries nearly $5,000 higher, and that advantage compounds when you consider earnings here actually decline slightly over the first four years.

The debt load of $16,250 is reasonable—below both state and national averages—creating a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio. Your child could realistically pay this down within a few years. However, the stagnant earnings trajectory raises questions about advancement opportunities. Most allied health programs show at least modest wage growth as graduates gain experience and certifications, but this program's outcomes suggest graduates may hit their ceiling quickly.

The real decision comes down to geography and alternatives. If your child plans to stay in Nebraska and has access to Northeast or Clarkson College, those programs deliver meaningfully better outcomes. But if Central Community College offers proximity advantages or fits your budget, the manageable debt keeps this from being a bad choice—just understand you're trading some earning potential for accessibility.

Where Central Community College Stands

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

Central Community CollegeOther allied health and medical assisting services programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Central Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Central Community College earns $37k — 52th percentile among allied health and medical assisting services associates programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Central Community College$37,307$36,990-1%
Clarkson College$41,699$42,220+1%
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health$37,878$40,725+8%
Southeast Community College Area$39,334$38,596-2%
Northeast Community College$42,190$37,651-11%

Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Central Community CollegeGrand Island$3,360$37,307$36,990$16,2500.44
Northeast Community CollegeNorfolk$3,840$42,190$37,651$13,4160.32
Clarkson CollegeOmaha$15,168$41,699$42,220$30,5340.73
Southeast Community College AreaLincoln$3,540$39,334$38,596$17,6750.45
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied HealthOmaha$18,173$37,878$40,725——
National Median—$36,862—$19,8250.54

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$66,050/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

$60,050/yrJobs growth:

Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

$44,200/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Pharmacy Technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

$43,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

All healthcare support workers not listed separately.

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 Central Community College, approximately 19% 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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.