Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Horry-Georgetown Technical College's allied health program produces first-year earnings of $43,389—placing it among the top performers statewide and well above the national median of $36,862. While debt figures here are estimated from national patterns rather than reported by the school, comparable programs nationally suggest around $17,600 in borrowing, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. That's a manageable burden for healthcare credentials that typically lead to stable employment.

The earnings trajectory shows modest but steady growth to $46,784 by year four—an 8% increase that reflects the steady demand for medical assistants and allied health professionals in South Carolina's growing coastal healthcare market. With 39% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves many students seeking reliable middle-class careers without four-year degree costs. The performance here matches or exceeds larger technical colleges like Greenville and Midlands, suggesting strong local employer relationships.

For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals look solid: earnings that compete with the state's best programs in this field, estimated debt well below what similar South Carolina programs typically carry ($27,403 state median), and a credential that meets immediate workforce needs. The lack of reported debt data means some uncertainty remains about this specific cohort's borrowing, but the earnings advantage gives meaningful financial cushion.