Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Eagle Gate College-Boise Campus

Eagle Gate College's medical assisting program starts strong with first-year earnings of $32,150—well above the national median of $27,186 and matching Idaho's state median. The debt load of $12,931 is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 that most financial advisors would consider reasonable for a healthcare credential. Among Idaho's eight medical assisting programs, this one sits at the 60th percentile, meaning it's solidly middle-of-the-pack for the state despite charging slightly more than the state's typical debt level.

The concern here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see income drop to $29,011 by year four, a 10% decline that's unusual for healthcare fields. This could reflect graduates moving to part-time work, transitioning to different roles, or limitations in medical assisting's career advancement opportunities. The nearby Carrington College program shows similar strong first-year earnings ($32,932), suggesting this income level is achievable in Boise's healthcare market.

For families weighing this investment, the math works if your child plans to use this as intended—a quick entry credential into healthcare work. The debt is low enough to manage even if earnings plateau or dip, and nearly half of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the school serves working-class families successfully. Just understand that medical assisting roles may not offer the upward earnings growth of other allied health careers.