Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ivy Tech Community College

The headline here is troubling: graduates see their earnings drop by 11% between year one and year four, falling from $35,603 to $31,756. Among Indiana's 11 schools offering this program, Ivy Tech ranks in just the 40th percentile—meaning six out of ten programs deliver better outcomes. The top performers in the state, like the University of Indianapolis ($50,907) and Vincennes University ($42,131), earn nearly $20,000 more annually, suggesting stronger clinical placements or certification pathways.

The modest debt load of $13,857 is this program's saving grace, coming in well below both the state median ($16,678) and national average ($19,825). That translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans within a year if they devoted their entire first-year salary to it. Still, declining earnings over time raise questions about career advancement opportunities—medical assistants often hit salary ceilings quickly unless they pursue additional certifications or pivot into specialized roles.

For families considering this investment, the low debt is appealing, but the earnings trajectory isn't. If your child is drawn to healthcare, investigate whether Ivy Tech's program offers clear pathways to higher-paying specialties or if they'd be better served by one of Indiana's stronger-performing alternatives. At this price point, it's not a financial disaster, but it's also not positioning graduates for meaningful wage growth.