Analysis
Similar health sciences associate programs in Massachusetts suggest first-year earnings around $45,800—solidly above the national median for this credential. That's the good news. The challenge is the estimated $29,400 in debt, which is more than triple what students typically borrow at Massachusetts community colleges offering comparable programs. Northern Essex and Roxbury students enter the same job market with roughly $9,200 in debt; Fisher students face borrowing that fundamentally changes the financial equation.
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 isn't catastrophic, but it assumes those estimated earnings materialize and that your child lands a job immediately. With 42% of Fisher students receiving Pell grants, many families can't easily absorb financial surprises. The debt premium here—about $20,000 more than state peers—doesn't buy higher earnings based on available comparable data. Massachusetts community colleges produce similar or better outcomes at a fraction of the cost.
Before committing, get Fisher to provide their actual graduate outcomes if they track them internally, and seriously compare the total cost against Roxbury or Northern Essex. The degree matters far more than the institution's name in allied health, and starting your career with an extra $20,000 in loans can delay life milestones for years.
Where Fisher College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Fisher CollegeBoston | $35,013 | $45,769* | — | $29,419* | — |
 Northern Essex Community CollegeHaverhill | $5,688 | $50,389* | $28,760 | $9,190* | 0.18 |
 Roxbury Community CollegeRoxbury Crossing | $5,784 | $45,769* | $54,420 | $9,080* | 0.20 |
 Holyoke Community CollegeHolyoke | $5,810 | $36,709* | — | $11,930* | 0.32 |
| National Median | — | $32,798* | — | $12,992* | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health services/allied health/health sciences graduates
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.