Analysis
Phoenix College's allied health program appears positioned in the middle of Arizona's competitive landscape, with peer programs across the state suggesting first-year earnings around $47,390—notably above the national median of $36,862 for similar credentials. Arizona's medical assisting market seems stronger than most states, which matters when you're considering a local community college program.
The estimated debt load of $17,606 is meaningfully lower than both the state median ($29,360) and national benchmark ($19,825), producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 that suggests manageable repayment. However, it's worth noting that comparable programs at schools like Carrington and GateWay show graduates earning $50,000-$54,000 in their first year—a meaningful difference that could affect how quickly debt gets paid down and how comfortable those early career years feel.
The real consideration here is whether Phoenix College's cost advantage offsets what appears to be a modest earnings gap compared to top performers in the state. For families prioritizing affordability—particularly relevant given that 29% of students receive Pell grants—the lower debt burden provides meaningful breathing room. Just recognize that these figures are estimates drawn from similar Arizona programs rather than Phoenix College's specific outcomes, so you'll want to ask the school directly about their graduates' placement rates and whether their alumni match these state-level expectations.
Where Phoenix College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,358 | $47,390* | — | $17,606* | — | |
| — | $53,596* | $55,565 | $32,458* | 0.61 | |
| — | $53,596* | $55,565 | $32,458* | 0.61 | |
| $2,358 | $50,605* | $53,692 | $15,581* | 0.31 | |
| — | $44,175* | $45,661 | $27,292* | 0.62 | |
| — | $44,175* | $45,661 | $27,292* | 0.62 | |
| 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 Phoenix College, approximately 29% 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 6 similar programs in AZ. Actual outcomes may vary.