Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at College of Western Idaho

College of Western Idaho's medical assisting program graduates earn roughly $7,000 less than the typical Idaho graduate in this field—landing in just the 25th percentile statewide. That's a significant gap in a state where programs like North Idaho College produce graduates earning $45,672 within a year. Even neighboring Carrington College-Boise graduates clear $40,000.

The $14,486 debt load appears manageable at first glance, sitting right at Idaho's median for this credential. However, the lower earnings make the overall value equation less attractive than it seems. While a 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't dangerous territory, you're essentially paying market-rate debt for below-market outcomes. The program ranks in the 29th percentile nationally as well, suggesting this isn't just about Idaho's competitive landscape—the program itself may need improvement.

For parents considering this route, the question becomes whether proximity to Nampa justifies accepting $8,000 less in first-year earnings compared to North Idaho College. Over a decade, that earnings gap compounds substantially. If location isn't a binding constraint, other Idaho programs offer meaningfully better returns on a similar educational investment.