Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Central Community College

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.