Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Muskegon Community College

Muskegon Community College's medical assisting program shows unusually strong first-year earnings—$58,377 puts it at the 95th percentile both nationally and within Michigan, far exceeding the state median of $32,900. That's impressive for an associate's program, and the debt load of $23,250, while slightly above state norms, remains manageable at 40% of first-year income. However, the sample size here is quite small (under 30 graduates), which means these figures could shift significantly with a larger cohort.

The concerning pattern is the earnings trajectory: graduates see a 15% decline by year four, dropping to $49,306. This is unusual for healthcare fields, where experience typically increases earning power. It could reflect graduates moving from higher-paying clinical roles to lower-paying positions, career interruptions, or simply the volatility that comes with small data samples. The decline makes it harder to assess whether this program's strong starting position translates into long-term value.

For families considering this program, the initial numbers look excellent—among the best in Michigan for this field. But given the small sample and downward earnings trend, treat this as a promising option that needs verification through conversations with the program about job placement specifics and typical career paths. If those first-year earnings hold true for most graduates, the debt is absolutely justified.