Analysis
Based on comparable programs in Idaho, this associate's degree appears positioned near the middle of the state's allied health landscape—with estimated first-year earnings around $39,000 and debt under $16,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 suggests graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross income, a manageable burden for an entry-level healthcare credential.
The national picture reinforces this assessment. Idaho's allied health programs collectively produce slightly higher earnings than the national median of $36,862, and the estimated debt here runs about $5,000 below what's typical nationwide. Within Idaho itself, peer programs show substantial variation—North Idaho College graduates earn nearly $46,000 in their first year, while College of Western Idaho's figure sits closer to $32,000. Without actual outcomes data for College of Southern Idaho specifically, it's difficult to know where graduates truly land within this range.
For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals look sound: healthcare support roles offer stable employment, and the estimated debt burden won't likely derail financial independence. The uncertainty lies in whether this program performs closer to the state's stronger outcomes or its weaker ones. Before committing, speak directly with program faculty about job placement specifics and what local employers actually pay their recent graduates—those conversations will matter more than statewide estimates.
Where College of Southern Idaho Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Idaho
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,360 | $38,976* | — | $15,055* | — | |
| $3,396 | $45,672* | — | $15,055* | 0.33 | |
| — | $40,794* | $45,817 | —* | — | |
| $8,356 | $37,157* | $35,975 | $17,750* | 0.48 | |
| $3,336 | $32,413* | — | $14,486* | 0.45 | |
| National Median | — | $36,862* | — | $19,825* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
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 College of Southern Idaho, approximately 19% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in ID. Actual outcomes may vary.