Analysis
Based on comparable Allied Health programs in Illinois, this degree appears positioned right at the state median—with estimated first-year earnings around $40,000 and debt near $16,700. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests roughly five months of gross income to cover the educational cost, which falls within reasonable territory for healthcare training.
The challenge is that several Illinois community colleges report significantly stronger outcomes. Oakton graduates earn over $52,000 in their first year, and even programs at South Suburban and Elgin place students above $46,000. Without actual outcome data from Kaskaskia, it's unclear whether this program delivers the clinical connections and credentialing that drive those higher earnings, or whether it falls closer to the state average. In healthcare fields, where specific certifications and local employer relationships matter enormously, that distinction can determine whether graduates land in higher-paying medical facilities or lower-wage clinic positions.
For families evaluating this path, the estimated debt level is manageable, but the uncertainty matters. If your student is committed to Allied Health in this region, it's worth directly asking Kaskaskia's career services about placement rates and starting salaries for recent graduates. The difference between a $40,000 outcome and a $46,000 one—$6,000 annually—could be the margin between financial stability and struggle in those early career years.
Where Kaskaskia College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (33 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,800 | $40,034* | — | $16,681* | — | |
| $3,985 | $52,161* | — | —* | — | |
| $5,093 | $46,568* | — | —* | — | |
| $3,180 | $46,319* | $50,624 | —* | — | |
| $4,884 | $42,975* | $55,051 | —* | — | |
| $17,190 | $42,418* | $48,022 | $21,579* | 0.51 | |
| National Median | — | $36,862* | — | $19,825* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Kaskaskia College, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 15 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.