Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College

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.