Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Pearl River Community College

Pearl River Community College produces some of the strongest allied health graduates in Mississippi, with first-year earnings of $42,444 placing them above 75% of similar programs nationwide and in the top tier within the state. The $19,500 debt load is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46—meaning graduates earn more than twice what they owe. For Mississippi families, this represents solid preparation for immediate employment in healthcare support roles.

The significant limitation is earnings stagnation. Graduates earn essentially the same amount four years later as they do immediately after finishing, suggesting this program leads to entry-level positions with limited advancement potential. While Itawamba Community College achieves somewhat higher earnings ($45,207), Pearl River's outcomes are competitive with other respected Mississippi programs like Holmes Community College, and they substantially outperform several alternatives.

For students planning to use this associate degree as a stepping stone to further healthcare education—perhaps moving into nursing or a specialized therapy field—this provides a strong foundation with minimal debt burden. But if this represents terminal education, parents should understand their child will likely need to pursue additional credentials or switch career paths to increase earning power beyond the low-$40,000s. The program delivers reliable entry into healthcare work; it doesn't promise a pathway to higher income within that field.