Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Hocking College

Hocking College's allied health program performs solidly within Ohio but shows a troubling earnings pattern that deserves scrutiny. Graduates earn $35,370 in their first year—right at the state median and ranking in the 60th percentile among Ohio's 53 programs—but by year four, earnings drop to $33,106. This 6% decline suggests graduates may be hitting career ceilings quickly or finding limited advancement opportunities in their roles.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $17,146, students borrow about $4,400 less than the state median and maintain a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48. That means graduates face roughly six months of first-year salary in debt, which is reasonable. However, the downward earnings trajectory means this debt becomes a heavier burden over time rather than easier to manage. Compare this to Cincinnati State's allied health graduates, who earn $41,891—nearly $9,000 more annually—making it worth exploring whether the geographic or programmatic differences justify the gap.

For families considering this path, the program won't saddle your child with crushing debt, but the declining earnings raise questions about long-term career viability. Before committing, investigate what specific roles graduates enter and whether there's a clear path to salary growth beyond year four, because the data suggests the first year may represent peak earning potential.