Analysis
Similar programs across Massachusetts suggest first-year earnings around $44,710 for medical assisting associate's degrees, positioning this field as a solid entry point into healthcare. What complicates the picture at Fisher College is the estimated debt load of $24,121—substantially higher than the state median of $15,723 for this same credential. Community colleges offering comparable programs appear to produce similar earnings outcomes with markedly lower debt burdens.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 sits in manageable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first year's salary. However, that calculation becomes less reassuring when you consider that nearby public institutions achieve comparable employment outcomes at two-thirds the cost. The $8,400 debt premium at Fisher doesn't appear to translate into measurably better earnings, at least based on what peer programs across the state typically deliver.
For families comfortable with private college costs and prioritizing Fisher's Boston location or specific campus experience, this program offers a practical healthcare pathway. But for purely financial outcomes, the community college alternatives warrant serious consideration—they're producing medical assistants with similar earning power and substantially less debt to manage on those same salaries.
Where Fisher College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,013 | $44,710* | — | $24,121* | — | |
| $5,352 | $44,926* | $49,099 | $27,000* | 0.60 | |
| $6,000 | $44,710* | $41,469 | $14,650* | 0.33 | |
| $5,520 | $38,844* | $38,020 | $15,723* | 0.40 | |
| 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 Fisher College, approximately 42% 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 3 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.