Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Lone Star College System

Lone Star College System's medical assisting program punches well above its weight—graduates earn $33,233 in their first year, landing in the 90th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Texas programs. That's $8,600 more than the typical Texas graduate in this field and $6,000 above the national median. Only Houston Community College consistently outperforms it among Texas schools, and even then, by a modest margin. For a certificate program with relatively low debt ($9,105), these earnings represent strong market positioning in the Houston healthcare corridor.

The debt picture is reasonable rather than stellar—it sits near the national median—but with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, most graduates should clear this obligation within a year of focused repayment. What matters more is the trajectory: earnings grow 11% by year four to nearly $37,000, suggesting graduates find stable positions with room for advancement rather than hitting an immediate ceiling.

For families weighing quick healthcare credentials in the Houston area, this program delivers measurably better outcomes than most alternatives. The combination of above-average starting salaries and manageable debt makes it a practical entry point into healthcare careers, particularly for students who need to start earning quickly rather than pursuing a four-year degree.