Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Niagara County Community College

Niagara County Community College's medical assisting program starts at $36,000 but drops to $31,600 by year four—a concerning 12% decline when most careers show earnings growth. While the program performs better than the New York state median (60th percentile), that's partly because many New York programs struggle with similar wage stagnation. The real comparison point should be the stronger programs in the state: Orange County CC graduates earn $52,000, and even nearby Genesee Community College hits $44,000.

The debt load of $21,000 isn't crushing—about seven months of first-year salary—but the declining earnings trajectory changes the calculus. Medical assistants often face wage ceilings, and this data suggests graduates may need to transition into different healthcare roles to see income growth. For a family considering this as a stepping stone to nursing or another health career, that makes sense. As a terminal degree, the economics are shakier.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. But the pattern mirrors what we see nationally in medical assisting: steady entry-level demand, limited advancement without additional credentials. If your child is committed to staying in healthcare long-term and willing to pursue further education, this can work as an affordable entry point. If they're looking for a two-year degree that leads to stable, growing wages on its own, the stronger SUNY community college programs offer better returns.