Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$35,140

95th percentile

60th percentile in Illinois

Median Debt

$11,000

16% above national median

Analysis

Malcolm X College's medical assisting program substantially outperforms the typical certificate program in this field. Graduates earn $35,140 their first year—nearly 30% above the national median and competitive with mid-tier Illinois programs. While it doesn't quite match the state's top performers like College of DuPage, it ranks in the 60th percentile statewide and an impressive 95th percentile nationally, putting it among the best in the country. The moderate debt load of $11,000 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.31, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of pre-tax earnings.

The 42% Pell Grant rate indicates this program serves working-class Chicago students who need credentials that lead directly to employment. Medical assisting offers exactly that—immediate entry into healthcare with earnings that exceed what most certificate programs deliver. At this price point and with these outcomes, it's a practical investment that doesn't require the time or expense of a four-year degree.

For parents concerned about their child taking on debt without a bachelor's degree, this program makes sense. The earnings justify the cost, the credential has clear labor market value in Chicago's healthcare sector, and graduates aren't saddled with unmanageable debt. It's a solid foundation for healthcare careers that can lead to further certifications or advancement.

Where City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (50 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X CollegeChicago	$4,380	$35,140	—	$11,000	0.31
College of DuPageGlen Ellyn	$4,320	$40,196	—	$10,656	0.27
William Rainey Harper CollegePalatine	$3,822	$36,111	$48,633	$9,834	0.27
First Institute of Travel Inc.Crystal Lake	—	$33,597	$31,754	$9,500	0.28
Lewis and Clark Community CollegeGodfrey	$3,552	$32,224	—	$6,360	0.20
Midwestern Career CollegeChicago	—	$31,998	$30,344	$7,521	0.24
National Median	—	$27,186	—	$9,500	0.35

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 City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College, approximately 42% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 84 graduates with reported earnings and 71 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.