Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Kapiolani Community College

Kapiolani Community College's medical assisting program offers a straightforward path into healthcare with manageable debt and solid earnings potential, though the small graduating class means these numbers could shift year to year. Students here earn $42,172 right out of school—$5,000 more than the state median and nearly $6,000 above the national average for this field. The debt load of just over $15,000 is also reasonable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, which means graduates can realistically pay this off within a few years while building their careers.

What's particularly encouraging is the earnings growth trajectory: graduates see their income climb 14% by year four, reaching over $48,000. This suggests the degree opens doors to career advancement, not just entry-level positions. Among Hawaii's limited options for this program—only two schools offer it statewide—Kapiolani significantly outperforms the competition, with graduates earning roughly $10,000 more annually than those from Hawaii Medical College.

The main caveat is the small cohort size, which means these figures could vary considerably from year to year depending on where individual graduates land. Still, for families looking at affordable healthcare training in Hawaii, this program demonstrates clear return on investment. Your child would graduate with below-average debt and above-average earning potential in a state where healthcare jobs remain in steady demand.