Location: Wye Mills, MD•In-State Tuition: $4,010•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,504
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$40,345
Est. from MD median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$18,445
Est. from MD median (3 programs)

Analysis

Similar allied health programs at Maryland community colleges suggest this could be a practical pathway into healthcare. The estimated $40,345 first-year earnings align with the state median for these programs, while projected debt of $18,445 produces a manageable ratio of just under 0.5—meaning roughly half a year's salary to repay what you borrow. That's substantially better than the typical associate's degree burden.

What's encouraging is the range of outcomes at comparable Maryland schools. Carroll Community College's graduates earn nearly $50,000 in their first year, demonstrating the upside potential in this field, while Allegany's figure of $34,372 shows the lower bound. Medical assisting and allied health roles vary considerably by employer, specialty, and geographic market within the state, which likely explains this spread. The good news: even the lower end produces debt ratios that remain workable for most families.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With too few graduates to generate school-specific data, you're making this decision based on what's happening at peer institutions rather than Chesapeake's actual track record. Before committing, verify what specific credentials this program leads to, which local healthcare systems hire its graduates, and whether clinical placement sites are convenient to your home. The estimated numbers suggest solid value, but the actual outcome depends heavily on execution details only the school can provide.

Where Chesapeake College Stands

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

Chesapeake College (estimated ±10%)Other allied health and medical assisting services programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (16 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Chesapeake CollegeWye Mills$4,010$40,345*—$18,445*—
Carroll Community CollegeWestminster$4,128$49,776*$48,776$18,445*0.37
Wor-Wic Community CollegeSalisbury$3,744$40,345*—$20,000*0.50
Allegany College of MarylandCumberland$4,730$34,372*$41,880$18,357*0.53
National Median—$36,862*—$19,825*0.54
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Chesapeake College, approximately 27% 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.