Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,862
Est. from national median (443 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$17,606
Est. from national median (186 programs)

Analysis

Similar programs across the country suggest a first-year salary around $36,862 for this associate degree, with debt estimates near $17,606—creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48. That's notably better than the national median debt of $19,825 for allied health programs, and significantly lower than the $26,612 typical for North Dakota schools in this field. By year four, the actual reported earnings climb to $40,514, indicating steady if modest growth in this career path.

The estimated figures here place North Dakota State College of Science in line with peer programs nationally, though the small graduate sample that triggered data suppression makes it difficult to assess what distinguishes this specific program. The low Pell grant rate (17%) suggests the school may not be serving many lower-income students, which could mean limited financial aid resources or simply a different student demographic than typical community colleges.

For families considering this program, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable for healthcare support work, but the earnings ceiling matters. If your child is drawn to patient care and wants a quick entry into the workforce, this path offers that. However, if higher earnings are a priority, understand that medical assisting roles typically cap out in the low-to-mid $40,000s—you're looking at a stable job, not a high-growth career. Confirm actual graduate outcomes directly with the school before committing.

Where North Dakota State College of Science Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
North Dakota State College of Science$40,514
Tacoma Community College$58,382$64,947+11%
Concorde Career College-North Hollywood$50,613$64,792+28%
Loma Linda University$60,043$61,960+3%
Rasmussen University-North Dakota$35,350$32,985-7%

Compare to Similar Programs in North Dakota

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in North Dakota (4 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
North Dakota State College of ScienceWahpeton$5,928$36,862*$40,514$17,606*
Rasmussen University-North DakotaFargo$12,715$35,350*$32,985$26,612*0.75
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 North Dakota State College of Science, approximately 17% 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 national median of 443 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.