Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at McLennan Community College

McLennan Community College stands out among Texas allied health programs for keeping debt remarkably low—at $11,500, graduates here borrow roughly half what's typical at peer schools across the state. While the first-year earnings figure of $44,175 is estimated from similar Texas programs, this debt level is actual reported data, and it tells a compelling story about affordability. Even if actual earnings for McLennan grads vary somewhat from this estimate, the fundamental math works: you're looking at a debt burden roughly one-quarter of that first year's income, compared to a national median debt of nearly $20,000 for this field.

The earnings picture based on comparable Texas programs suggests solid middle-class income potential, matching the state median and exceeding national benchmarks by about $7,300. Texas allied health programs range from around $44,000 to $53,000 in first-year earnings, so there's variation—but what matters most is that McLennan achieves near-typical outcomes while dramatically limiting borrowing costs. For a family concerned about debt, this is exactly the trade-off you want: access to healthcare credentials that lead to steady employment without the financial overhang that can make those early career years stressful. With nearly 40% of students receiving Pell grants, this accessibility appears to be part of the school's mission, not an accident.