Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Linn-Benton Community College

Linn-Benton's allied health program sits in an awkward middle ground—performing at national averages but trailing other Oregon options by a meaningful margin. At $37,152 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about 10% less than the state median of $40,948, placing this program in just the 40th percentile statewide. Both Lane Community College and Mt Hood Community College deliver notably better outcomes, with graduates earning $42,000+ right out of the gate.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $17,321, it's well below both state and national medians, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47. Graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within a year of full-time work. Earnings do climb 8% by year four, reaching $40,137, which closes the gap with other Oregon programs somewhat—though you've already given up four years of higher earnings by then.

For Oregon families, this creates a straightforward calculation. If your child has acceptance letters from Lane or Mt Hood, those programs deliver $5,000 more annually from day one. But if Linn-Benton is the accessible local option or offers other advantages (location, scheduling, support services), the lower debt load means the financial risk remains reasonable. Just understand you're choosing the budget option in a state with demonstrably stronger alternatives.