Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,027
64th percentile
60th percentile in Florida
Est. Median Debt
$16,166
Est. from FL median (9 programs)

Analysis

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Gulf Coast State CollegePanama City$2,370$40,027$49,758$16,166*
Hodges UniversityFort Myers$15,580$50,942$44,787$21,250*0.42
Santa Fe CollegeGainesville$2,563$42,710$26,250*0.61
Taylor CollegeOcala$13,263$42,622$50,875$25,250*0.59
St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg$2,682$41,802$20,453*0.49
South University-West Palm BeachRoyal Palm Beach$18,238$39,761$43,365$30,694*0.77
National Median$36,862$19,825*0.54
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$66,050/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

$60,050/yrJobs growth:

Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

$44,200/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Pharmacy Technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

$43,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

All healthcare support workers not listed separately.

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.