Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at City College-Hollywood

City College-Hollywood graduates earn about $30,000 annually—roughly $5,000 below Florida's median for medical assisting programs and $7,000 below the national average. More concerning, earnings don't grow over the first four years post-graduation; they actually dip slightly. While this places the program at the 40th percentile among Florida schools (middle of the pack statewide), it's only in the 20th percentile nationally. Compare this to nearby Santa Fe College, where similar graduates earn over $42,000, or top-tier programs like Hodges University at nearly $51,000.

The debt picture adds another layer of concern. At $28,833, graduates leave with almost a full year's salary in loans—significantly higher than Florida's typical $25,626 for these programs. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.97 means nearly twelve months of pre-tax income just to cover educational debt, before living expenses. Given that 100% of students here receive Pell grants, these are families who can least afford an underwhelming return on investment.

If your child is set on medical assisting in Florida, this isn't the strongest path forward. Community colleges like Santa Fe or St. Petersburg offer similar credentials with 40%+ higher earning potential and comparable debt loads. The open admission policy here serves students who need access, but that access comes with real financial tradeoffs that more selective programs in the state don't impose.