Est. Earnings (1yr)
$43,425
Est. from WA median (15 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$18,220
Est. from WA median (7 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable allied health programs in Washington, North Seattle College's offering appears to position graduates right at the state median of $43,425—a figure that sits comfortably above the national benchmark of $36,862. The estimated debt load of $18,220 is actually slightly below what similar Washington programs typically carry, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that suggests manageable repayment in the first year after graduation.

What's worth noting is the range among Washington community colleges with reported outcomes. Top performers like Tacoma Community College and Highline College show earnings $7,000 to $15,000 higher, suggesting that employer connections, clinical placement networks, or specific program concentrations can significantly impact starting salaries in this field. Without actual outcomes data from North Seattle, it's unclear where their graduates fall within this spectrum—whether they're tracking toward the median or matching the stronger performers in the Seattle metro area where healthcare demand typically drives higher wages.

The fundamentals look reasonable: estimated debt under $19,000 for a credential in a stable healthcare field with starting pay in the low-to-mid $40,000s. But given the variation among peer programs and the absence of school-specific data, you'd want to ask North Seattle directly about their graduates' placement rates, which employers hire their students, and whether their alumni outcomes align with or exceed these state estimates before committing.

Where North Seattle College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Washington (29 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
North Seattle CollegeSeattle$5,058$43,425*$18,220*
Tacoma Community CollegeTacoma$4,920$58,382*$64,947$18,220*0.31
Highline CollegeDes Moines$4,623$50,468*$41,572$7,197*0.14
Spokane Falls Community CollegeSpokane$4,058$47,797*$43,444$21,000*0.44
Lake Washington Institute of TechnologyKirkland$5,156$45,385*$39,641$20,335*0.45
Whatcom Community CollegeBellingham$5,146$44,573*$40,006$19,660*0.44
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 Seattle College, approximately 14% 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 median of 15 similar programs in WA. Actual outcomes may vary.