Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at John C Calhoun State Community College

John C. Calhoun State graduates earn roughly $8,000 more than the typical allied health associate's degree holder in Alabama—landing them in the 60th percentile statewide. That's a meaningful advantage in a field where in-state program quality varies considerably. Earnings of $40,576 by year four beat not just the state median but also the national average, while the debt load of $14,080 sits well below what most Alabama students in this field carry ($20,500).

The debt-to-earnings math works cleanly here: graduates owe about five months of their starting salary, and they see steady income growth into year four. Compare that to Jefferson State's higher earnings but recognize that Calhoun's combination of reasonable debt and above-average Alabama outcomes makes it competitive. For families watching costs—particularly relevant given that 31% of students receive Pell grants—this program delivers solid returns without overextending financially.

The main asterisk: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes will vary more than at larger programs. Still, the fundamentals look sound for students planning to work in Alabama's healthcare system, where these earnings provide comfortable entry into a stable field.