Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State's allied health program lands graduates at $45,112 within a year—about $8,000 above Tennessee's median for these programs and well ahead of the national benchmark. That puts you in the 82nd percentile nationally, meaning this program outperforms roughly four out of five similar programs across the country. The $17,548 in typical debt is notably lower than both the state median ($24,121) and national median ($19,825), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39—you'd be earning more than twice what you owe.

The moderate catch: earnings barely budge over the first four years, rising just 3% to $46,264. This pattern is fairly typical in allied health fields where entry-level positions can represent career peaks rather than stepping stones. Still, even at the 60th percentile within Tennessee, you're performing competitively. The program sits just below Volunteer State and Southwest Tennessee, but ahead of most other options in the state.

For families concerned about return on investment, the combination of above-average starting pay and below-average debt makes this a solid choice. You're entering a field with immediate earning power and manageable financial burden—just understand that $46,000 may approximate your ceiling rather than your floor.