Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Gulf Coast State College
Associate's Degree
gulfcoast.eduAnalysis
Gulf Coast State College's allied health program delivers first-year earnings of $40,027, placing it above the state median and just shy of the 75th percentile nationally. The estimated $16,166 in debt—based on similar Florida associate programs—creates a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that should clear in under two years of focused repayment. This is notably lower than the state's typical $25,626 debt load for these programs, though remember this figure is an estimate rather than actual reported outcomes for Gulf Coast graduates.
The earnings trajectory tells a favorable story: growth from $40K to nearly $50K over four years suggests steady career progression in the allied health field. While the program trails top Florida performers like Hodges University ($51K) and Santa Fe College ($43K), it beats most state competitors and substantially outperforms Florida's $34K median for this credential. The 24% earnings bump between years one and four indicates employers value the experience these graduates gain, which matters for long-term earning potential in medical support roles.
For parents weighing this investment, the key advantage is the relatively light debt burden combined with solid starting pay. The estimated figures suggest you're looking at reasonable risk for a field with clear demand. Just verify the actual debt burden with the financial aid office, since the estimate comes from peer programs rather than Gulf Coast's specific track record.
Where Gulf Coast State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Gulf Coast State College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Coast State College | $40,027 | $49,758 | +24% |
| Taylor College | $42,622 | $50,875 | +19% |
| Concorde Career Institute-Miramar | $19,181 | $49,355 | +157% |
| Hodges University | $50,942 | $44,787 | -12% |
| South University-West Palm Beach | $39,761 | $43,365 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (43 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,370 | $40,027 | $49,758 | $16,166* | — | |
| $15,580 | $50,942 | $44,787 | $21,250* | 0.42 | |
| $2,563 | $42,710 | — | $26,250* | 0.61 | |
| $13,263 | $42,622 | $50,875 | $25,250* | 0.59 | |
| $2,682 | $41,802 | — | $20,453* | 0.49 | |
| $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 Gulf Coast State College, approximately 28% 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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.