Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Cleveland Community College

With approximately $18,700 in debt—below both the state median ($22,000) and national median ($19,800) for this field—Cleveland Community College appears to keep costs relatively contained for students pursuing allied health careers. However, estimated first-year earnings around $34,900 place graduates near the bottom of what similar North Carolina programs typically produce. Top-performing community colleges in the state report outcomes above $42,000, suggesting this program may not be maximizing students' earning potential in a field where clinical experience and placement networks matter significantly.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 looks manageable on paper, but that calculation assumes the state-wide median accurately reflects this program's outcomes. What's concerning is the gap between Cleveland's estimated trajectory and documented results from peer institutions like Martin Community College and Southwestern Community College, which report nearly $8,000 higher first-year earnings. In healthcare fields where certifications and clinical rotations drive early salaries, those differences often persist throughout careers.

For families weighing this investment, the lower debt load is genuinely positive, but the earnings estimate warrants direct questions to the school: What are actual job placement rates? Which healthcare facilities hire graduates? Are there specific certifications that boost outcomes? Nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, making strong employment outcomes particularly crucial. Without verifiable data showing Cleveland's graduates match or exceed the state average, consider programs with documented track records of placing students into higher-paying positions.