Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Maria College of Albany

Maria College's medical assisting program carries debt that's actually below the national average, but earnings tell a more complicated story. While graduates start at $36,742—roughly matching the national median—they're earning significantly more than most New York graduates in this field. That 60th percentile ranking within the state matters because many students will be weighing this against SUNY community colleges where they'd pay less but potentially earn less too.

The debt load of $26,812 might look high at first glance, but it's manageable with a 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio, and earnings grow to nearly $44,000 by year four. Compare this to top-performing Orange County Community College at $51,727, and you'll see Maria College graduates earn about $8,000 less annually. However, they're still outperforming 60% of similar New York programs—including some SUNY options—which start closer to the state median of $32,890.

The question comes down to whether beating the state average by $4,000 justifies paying a premium over community college tuition. For students who need Maria College's accessibility and structure, this program delivers reasonable outcomes without crushing debt. But families should compare actual total costs against nearby SUNY options, since those savings might offset the modest earnings difference over time.