Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Pima Medical Institute-Tucson

Pima Medical Institute's graduates earn nearly $53,000 right after completing this bachelor's program—60% more than the national median for allied health and medical assisting. That 95th percentile national ranking tells parents this program delivers something most similar programs don't, with earnings approaching $55,000 by year four. However, the $31,252 debt load is about 40% higher than typical for this field, creating a trade-off worth examining.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 means graduates owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary—manageable but not exceptional. As the only bachelor's program in this category in Arizona, there's no in-state competition for direct comparison, though the strong outcomes suggest Pima has carved out a niche. Nearly half the students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves a population that particularly needs solid post-graduation returns.

For families deciding whether the premium debt is justified: if your child is confident about entering allied health fields where this credential clearly differentiates them from associate-degree holders, the substantially higher earnings appear to justify the extra borrowing. But if they're uncertain about the field or considering schools with lower debt loads, understand that you're paying more upfront for earnings that, while strong, grow modestly over the first four years. The value hinges on whether that immediate earnings advantage—real and substantial—outweighs starting with 40% more debt than peers elsewhere.