Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Central Lakes College-Brainerd

Based on comparable allied health programs across Minnesota, students entering this field typically earn around $40,000 in their first year—a figure that puts Central Lakes College squarely in line with peer institutions like Century College and Dakota County Technical College. This estimated earnings level represents a significant premium over the national median of $27,186 for these certificates, suggesting Minnesota's healthcare labor market values these credentials more generously than most states.

The estimated debt load of $18,755 is higher than both the state median of $17,378 and nearly double the national median of $9,500, though it remains manageable given the projected first-year earnings. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 means borrowers would owe roughly half their annual salary—not ideal, but workable for a credential that leads directly into employment. Similar Minnesota programs have shown this debt level to be typical for public technical colleges in the state.

The challenge is that these figures are based on peer programs rather than tracked outcomes from Central Lakes itself. If this program's actual placement rates or starting salaries fall below the state averages used here, the financial picture would shift. Parents should verify current job placement data directly with the college and compare total program costs against what nearby competitors charge for similar training.