Analysis
ECPI University's Allied Health program presents concerning value for Virginia students. With median earnings of $32,640 that actually decline slightly over four years, graduates earn significantly less than both the national median ($36,862) and Virginia's median ($38,446) for this field. Among Virginia's 16 programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of similar programs in the state produce better-earning graduates.
The debt picture offers some relief, with graduates owing $17,966 compared to Virginia's typical $23,350 for this program type. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, meaning students can theoretically pay off their loans with about seven months of gross income. However, the flat earnings trajectory is troubling—most careers show some growth, but these graduates see their income plateau immediately.
The stark contrast with top Virginia programs is telling: Radford University graduates earn nearly 50% more at $48,584. For a program that should launch students into a growing healthcare field, ECPI's outcomes suggest either curriculum gaps or weaker industry connections. While the lower debt helps, parents should seriously consider whether their child might achieve better career prospects at one of Virginia's higher-performing programs, even if it means slightly more initial debt.
Where ECPI University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How ECPI University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECPI University | $32,640 | $32,162 | -1% |
| Radford University | $48,584 | $53,137 | +9% |
| Riverside College of Health Careers | $47,742 | $50,655 | +6% |
| Tidewater Community College | $29,799 | $48,871 | +64% |
| South University-Virginia Beach | $39,761 | $43,365 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,484 | $32,640 | $32,162 | $17,966 | 0.55 | |
| $12,286 | $48,584 | $53,137 | $30,625 | 0.63 | |
| — | $48,020 | — | $22,333 | 0.47 | |
| $14,875 | $47,742 | $50,655 | $22,500 | 0.47 | |
| $18,238 | $39,761 | $43,365 | $30,694 | 0.77 | |
| $18,238 | $39,761 | $43,365 | $30,694 | 0.77 | |
| 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 ECPI University, approximately 49% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 802 graduates with reported earnings and 980 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.