Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Pueblo Community College

Pueblo Community College's Allied Health program puts graduates ahead of most schools nationally—landing in the 74th percentile—but falls below the middle of the pack for Colorado, where median earnings run about $1,200 higher. That gap matters when you consider that several Denver-area schools place graduates earning $45,000-$50,000 right out of the gate. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates here actually see income drop by 7% between year one and year four, slipping from $42,297 to $39,418. This pattern suggests either limited advancement opportunities or that initial positions don't lead to better roles over time.

The financial picture has a silver lining: at $17,335, the debt load sits well below both the state median ($24,298) and national average ($19,825), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. For students who can't easily relocate to Denver and need to work in the Pueblo area, this becomes more defensible—you're borrowing less even if you're earning less.

The bottom line: This program works best for students committed to staying in Pueblo who value lower debt over maximum earning potential. If moving to Denver or Colorado Springs is an option after graduation, the higher-earning programs there would likely offset any small difference in borrowing costs. The earnings decline is worth discussing with the career services office to understand what typical job progressions look like.