Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Pima Medical Institute-Houston
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Pima Medical Institute-Houston delivers strong earning outcomes that justify its premium tuition cost. With first-year earnings of $44,175, graduates earn nearly $7,300 more than the national average for allied health programs and rank in the 80th percentile nationally. While the debt load of $27,292 is higher than typical—about $6,200 above the Texas median—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 remains very manageable, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a reasonable timeframe.
The program performs solidly within Texas, matching the state median for earnings while carrying higher debt than most in-state competitors. Several Texas community colleges do offer better financial outcomes—San Jacinto and Kilgore College graduates earn $7,000+ more with likely lower debt loads. However, Pima's consistent track record (based on 100+ graduates) and strong national ranking suggest reliable career preparation that translates to immediate employment at competitive wages.
The modest 3% earnings growth over four years is typical for allied health roles, which tend to offer stable rather than rapidly advancing compensation. For families comfortable with the higher upfront investment, this program provides a clear path to middle-class earnings in a recession-resistant field, though cost-conscious students should seriously consider the high-performing Texas community college alternatives.
Where Pima Medical Institute-Houston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Pima Medical Institute-Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally
Pima Medical Institute-Houston graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 80th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (51 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston | $44,175 | $45,661 | $27,292 | 0.62 |
| Western Technical College | $53,747 | $58,777 | — | — |
| Western Technical College | $53,747 | $58,777 | — | — |
| San Jacinto Community College | $52,032 | $60,275 | $21,000 | 0.40 |
| Kilgore College | $51,558 | — | — | — |
| Navarro College | $51,543 | $50,309 | $24,448 | 0.47 |
| National Median | $36,862 | — | $19,825 | 0.54 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Technical College El Paso | — | $53,747 | — |
| Western Technical College El Paso | — | $53,747 | — |
| San Jacinto Community College Pasadena | $1,992 | $52,032 | $21,000 |
| Kilgore College Kilgore | $2,160 | $51,558 | — |
| Navarro College Corsicana | $3,008 | $51,543 | $24,448 |
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 Pima Medical Institute-Houston, approximately 50% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 581 graduates with reported earnings and 629 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.