Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Columbia Basin College

Washington's allied health programs show significant earnings variation, and Columbia Basin College sits at an interesting position. Similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $43,400—right at the state median but notably above the national benchmark of $36,800. That places this program solidly in the middle tier of Washington's 29 allied health offerings, though well behind the state's top performers like Tacoma Community College at $58,400.

The estimated debt load of $18,200 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. This is better than both state and national debt medians for the field, suggesting relatively affordable program costs. For a community college in the Tri-Cities area, this financial structure appears reasonable—students aren't taking on excessive debt for credentials that peer programs show typically lead to steady healthcare employment.

The uncertainty here matters, though. With actual outcomes unavailable due to small cohort sizes, you're betting that Columbia Basin's graduates will mirror the broader Washington market rather than underperform it. Given the school's community college structure and location in a smaller market, outcomes could vary from these estimates. If your student needs certainty about job placement and starting salaries, connecting with the program's clinical partners and recent graduates would be essential before committing.