Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Laurel Technical Institute

Laurel Technical Institute's medical assisting program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—and that's actually not bad news for the right student. With earnings of $26,872 after one year and debt of $12,282, graduates face a manageable debt load that represents less than half a year's salary. The program costs slightly more than Pennsylvania's median, but not enough to offset its accessibility: 93% of applicants gain admission, and nearly two-thirds of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the school serves students who might not have other options.

The earnings gap matters, though. Graduates here make about $2,000 less than their peers at community colleges like Montgomery County or Harrisburg Area, which offer similar programs with better salary outcomes. Among Pennsylvania's 45 medical assisting programs, this one ranks in the 40th percentile—meaning three in five programs produce higher-earning graduates. For families comparing options, those community college alternatives deserve serious consideration.

The bottom line: This program works as a practical entry point into healthcare for students who need open access and can't relocate. The debt won't crush anyone, and medical assistants can find steady work. But if your child can commute to one of Pennsylvania's stronger community college programs, those extra few thousand dollars in annual earnings add up quickly—enough to make a real difference when building a career foundation.