Analysis
Drawing on outcomes from similar allied health programs in Arizona, this associate degree appears positioned near the state median with estimated first-year earnings around $47,390—notably above the national typical outcome of $36,862 for this credential. The estimated debt load of roughly $17,600 sits well below both Arizona's median ($29,360) and the national figure ($19,825), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 that suggests manageable repayment.
The challenge with Eastern Arizona College's program is that we're working entirely with estimates based on peer institutions rather than actual graduate outcomes. While comparable programs across Arizona show earnings ranging from about $44,000 to $53,600, we can't verify where this specific program lands within that spectrum. The lower estimated debt is encouraging—it implies students here may be accessing more affordable education than at some competing schools—but without confirmed data, parents are making this investment decision with less certainty than ideal.
For families considering this program, the fundamental question is whether you're comfortable proceeding when the school's graduate sample is too small to report verified outcomes. The estimates suggest reasonable value, particularly if the lower debt figure holds true, but you're essentially betting on this program performing similarly to its Arizona peers. Contact the school directly to understand their graduate employment rates and whether they track outcomes internally, even if those numbers don't appear in federal data.
Where Eastern Arizona College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,352 | $47,390* | — | $17,606* | — | |
| — | $53,596* | $55,565 | $32,458* | 0.61 | |
| — | $53,596* | $55,565 | $32,458* | 0.61 | |
| $2,358 | $50,605* | $53,692 | $15,581* | 0.31 | |
| — | $44,175* | $45,661 | $27,292* | 0.62 | |
| — | $44,175* | $45,661 | $27,292* | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $36,862* | — | $19,825* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Eastern Arizona College, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in AZ. Actual outcomes may vary.