Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

Franciscan Missionaries' allied health program produces graduates earning nearly $49,000 in their first year—ranking in the 95th percentile among Louisiana programs and 93rd nationally. That's remarkable performance in a field where Louisiana's typical graduate makes just $31,000, and it places this program second only to Louisiana Christian University statewide. The debt load of about $25,500 means graduates need roughly six months of earnings to cover their educational investment, a reasonable trade-off given the strong starting salaries.

The real standout here is how graduates continue building earning power, reaching $53,000 by year four—a 9% increase that defies the plateau many medical assisting programs face. While the debt sits at Louisiana's median for this field, the earnings advantage more than compensates. These graduates are earning 58% more than the typical Louisiana medical assisting program graduate right out of the gate.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. Still, the consistency of strong performance across multiple metrics—top-tier state ranking, low debt-to-earnings ratio, sustained income growth—suggests this program delivers genuine value. For families willing to accept modest debt in exchange for a credential that dramatically outperforms state norms, this represents a solid investment in Louisiana's allied health market.