Est. Earnings (1yr)
$34,923
Est. from NC median (18 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$18,702
Est. from NC median (7 programs)

Analysis

Similar programs across North Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $35,000 for this associate's degree, which falls short of what top community college programs in the state achieve. Martin Community College and Southwestern Community College graduates earn in the low $40,000s—roughly $7,000-8,000 more annually—highlighting how much variation exists even within North Carolina's community college system. Whether Mayland's program produces outcomes closer to the state median or lags behind remains unknown without actual graduate data.

The estimated debt of $18,700 is actually lower than both the state and national medians for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54. That's manageable territory if the earnings estimate holds, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. However, this assumes the program performs at least at the state average, which isn't guaranteed given how wide the performance gap is among NC schools offering similar credentials.

For families in rural western North Carolina where Mayland serves, proximity and affordability matter. But if your child is willing to travel or relocate for training, programs like Martin or Southwestern have demonstrated they can deliver significantly better earning outcomes. The safer bet is choosing a program with actual graduate data showing strong earnings, especially in a field where some schools clearly outperform others by meaningful margins.

Where Mayland Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (47 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Mayland Community CollegeSpruce Pine$2,560$34,923*$18,702*
Martin Community CollegeWilliamston$2,523$42,820*$36,153*
Southwestern Community CollegeSylva$5,806$42,374*$38,500$18,702*0.44
Nash Community CollegeRocky Mount$2,883$38,589*$45,214$14,882*0.39
Rowan-Cabarrus Community CollegeSalisbury$2,064$37,465**
Cabarrus College of Health SciencesConcord$16,070$37,422*$34,382$23,307*0.62
National Median$36,862*$19,825*0.54
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$66,050/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

$60,050/yrJobs growth:

Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

$44,200/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Pharmacy Technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

$43,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

All healthcare support workers not listed separately.

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 Mayland Community College, approximately 26% 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 18 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.