Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Compass Career College

At $16,647 in first-year earnings, graduates here are earning roughly half what typical Louisiana medical assistants make—and less than full-time minimum wage work. While earnings do climb 46% by year four, that still lands at just $24,230, below both the state median ($22,869) and well short of what students earn from nearby alternatives like Delgado Community College ($29,905) or Baton Rouge Community College ($28,935). Ranking in the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile within Louisiana signals this program struggles even by local standards.

The debt picture offers little consolation. At $7,917, the debt burden sits below the national average but equals nearly half of first-year earnings—a heavy load when starting from such low wages. With 64% of students receiving Pell grants, most are counting on this credential to improve their financial situation, but the data suggests they'd fare better at Louisiana's community colleges, which offer similar training with substantially higher earnings outcomes.

For parents weighing this investment, the numbers are stark: this certificate costs roughly what competitors charge but produces earnings $5,000-$13,000 below other Louisiana options. Unless there's a compelling reason to choose Compass Career College specifically—like geographic necessity—the state's community college system offers better returns in this field.