Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Mount Wachusett Community College

Mount Wachusett Community College's allied health program reports first-year earnings of $45,300—substantially higher than both the national median ($27,186) and Massachusetts median ($36,469). However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures may not be reliable predictors for future students. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally but only 60th within Massachusetts, suggesting its strong showing may reflect the limited data rather than consistent outcomes.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings decline: graduates earn $3,400 less four years out than they did in year one. While the debt load remains manageable at $11,079—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.24—the negative earnings trajectory raises questions about career advancement in whatever specific allied health roles these graduates pursue. For comparison, Bunker Hill Community College's similar program shows nearly identical first-year earnings with presumably larger, more stable cohorts.

Given the small sample warning, parents should dig deeper before committing. Request specific job placement data from the college: which allied health roles do graduates actually fill, and do those roles typically see salary compression? The low debt makes this less risky than many alternatives, but the limited data and declining earnings pattern mean you're taking a bigger leap of faith than the impressive initial number suggests.