Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Jackson State Community College

Jackson State graduates enter the workforce earning slightly above Tennessee's median for this field, but the real story emerges four years out: those $46,717 earnings represent a 20% jump that moves graduates ahead of most competing programs. While starting salaries trail places like Volunteer State by roughly $7,000, the growth trajectory suggests these graduates are building sustainable healthcare careers rather than hitting immediate plateaus.

The standout advantage here is cost. At $11,710 in median debt—less than half the Tennessee average of $24,121—Jackson State delivers this training at a fraction of what most students pay elsewhere. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.30, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within months rather than years. For parents worried about burdening their children with debt while they establish themselves in healthcare support roles, this matters considerably.

The moderate sample size and 41% Pell grant enrollment suggest Jackson State serves its regional community effectively, preparing students for positions like medical assistants and health technicians that form the backbone of Tennessee's healthcare system. Your child won't graduate making top-tier wages immediately, but they'll enter the field with minimal financial baggage and clear earnings momentum—a practical foundation for either advancing in their career or pursuing additional credentials later.