Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Columbia State Community College

Similar allied health programs across Tennessee suggest this program delivers solid but unremarkable outcomes—estimated first-year earnings around $37,000 align with the state median but trail notably behind what graduates from Volunteer State ($45,598) and Chattanooga State ($45,112) report earning. At an estimated $16,750 in debt, Columbia State appears to keep borrowing below both the state median ($24,121) and national median ($19,825), which makes the fundamental math work: graduates would need to dedicate roughly 45% of their first year's salary to debt, a manageable if not particularly comfortable burden.

The gap between this program and Tennessee's top performers raises practical questions about whether location, clinical placement networks, or specific certifications explain the difference. Medical assisting roles can vary significantly in pay depending on specialty and setting—graduates heading into administrative positions typically earn less than those performing clinical procedures. Without actual outcome data from Columbia State itself, parents should investigate whether the program's curriculum and employer connections position students for higher-paying clinical roles or entry-level administrative work.

For families where keeping debt low matters most, these estimates suggest a functional trade-off: moderate earnings potential with below-average borrowing. But if your child could access one of Tennessee's stronger-performing programs nearby, the $8,000+ earnings premium in year one might justify slightly higher debt or a longer commute.