Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree) at Highland Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$40,034

Est. from IL median (15 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$16,681

Est. from IL median (5 programs)

Analysis

With an estimated debt load of $16,681—below both state and national medians—this program offers a relatively affordable entry point into allied health work. Based on comparable programs across Illinois, first-year earnings around $40,000 place graduates right at the state median for this credential, suggesting typical outcomes for medical assisting roles rather than standout performance. The 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, meaning graduates would owe roughly 40 cents for every dollar earned in that first year.

The challenge is the wide variation among Illinois programs. Top performers like Oakton and South Suburban report earnings exceeding $46,000—about $6,000 more annually than what Highland's peer programs suggest. That gap could reflect differences in clinical partnerships, specific certifications earned, or local healthcare market access. Without program-specific data from Highland itself, it's difficult to know where this school truly lands in that range.

For families, the lower debt is reassuring, but the estimated earnings suggest entry-level medical assistant wages rather than higher-paying allied health specialties. Ask Highland directly about job placement rates, which certifications students earn (CMA, RMA, etc.), and where recent graduates actually work. The numbers indicate reasonable value if your student is committed to this career path and plans to advance through experience or additional credentials, but comparable programs in the Chicago area appear to deliver stronger early outcomes.

Where Highland Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (33 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Highland Community CollegeFreeport	$4,696	$40,034*	—	$16,681*	—
Oakton CollegeDes Plaines	$3,985	$52,161*	—	—*	—
South Suburban CollegeSouth Holland	$5,093	$46,568*	—	—*	—
Elgin Community CollegeElgin	$3,180	$46,319*	$50,624	—*	—
Morton CollegeCicero	$4,884	$42,975*	$55,051	—*	—
Fox CollegeTinley Park	$17,190	$42,418*	$48,022	$21,579*	0.51
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 Highland Community College, approximately 30% 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 15 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.