Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Houston Community College

Houston Community College's allied health certificate punches well above its weight in the Texas market. At $35,469 in first-year earnings, graduates out-earn the state median by nearly $11,000—placing this program in the 80th percentile statewide and 95th nationally. Among Texas programs, only Lone Star edges ahead, while HCC significantly outperforms the various Pima locations that charge similar tuition. The moderate debt load of $16,035 is higher than typical for certificates but remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, meaning graduates earn more than twice their debt in their first year.

The trade-off here is straightforward: you're paying certificate-plus pricing (roughly $6,500 more than the state median debt) but getting earnings that rival or exceed four-year outcomes in many fields. Earnings growth is modest at 4% over four years, suggesting these jobs have defined pay scales rather than rapid advancement potential. However, the starting salary itself does most of the heavy lifting—$35,000 is solid compensation for a certificate that typically takes less than a year to complete.

For families seeking a quick pathway to stable healthcare employment in Houston's large medical sector, this program delivers measurable value. The premium you pay in debt translates directly into premium earnings compared to most Texas alternatives.