Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at College of DuPage

College of DuPage's medical assisting certificate substantially outperforms most alternatives, with graduates earning $40,196 within a year—nearly $9,000 more than the Illinois median and $13,000 above the national average. Among Illinois programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, surpassing larger competitors like Harper College and Malcolm X. That earnings advantage matters when you're dealing with certificate-level debt of just $10,656, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 that's quite manageable.

The catch? This data comes from fewer than 30 recent graduates, so individual outcomes can swing the averages significantly. These numbers reflect a specific cohort's experience rather than a guaranteed trajectory. That said, the earnings gap over peer programs is large enough to suggest genuine program strength—whether from superior clinical training, stronger employer partnerships, or better job placement in the Chicago suburbs.

For families considering medical assisting programs in Illinois, this looks like a solid choice if your student can replicate these results. The debt load is reasonable, the early earnings are strong, and the program credentials appear to carry weight with local healthcare employers. Just recognize you're betting on a smaller track record than you'd get at larger programs.