Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at North Dakota State College of Science
Associate's Degree
ndscs.eduAnalysis
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,928 | $36,862* | $40,514 | $17,606* | — | |
| $12,715 | $35,350* | $32,985 | $26,612* | 0.75 | |
| National Median | — | $36,862* | — | $19,825* | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
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.