Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Hawaii Medical College

Hawaii Medical College graduates this allied health program earning above the national median from day one, with first-year earnings of $30,691 beating the typical $27,186 nationally. While that places them in the 74th percentile nationwide, it's worth noting they sit right at the median among Hawaii's limited options—there are only four schools offering this certificate in the state, so the competitive landscape is thin.

The debt picture looks manageable at $9,500, creating a comfortable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio that means graduates can realistically pay this off within a year if they're aggressive about it. Earnings growth to $34,812 by year four shows consistent progression, though the 13% increase suggests a field where advancement comes through experience rather than dramatic jumps. For families concerned about their student taking on debt, this represents one of the more accessible entry points into healthcare—you're not mortgaging years of future earnings for modest returns.

The real question is whether $30,691 goes far enough in Honolulu's expensive housing market. This program works best as exactly what it is: a quick credential that gets your child working in healthcare with minimal debt exposure. It's a practical choice for students who need to start earning quickly or want to test healthcare work before committing to more expensive nursing or allied health degrees.