Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Red Rocks Community College

Colorado's allied health market shows strong wages, and comparable programs in the state suggest Red Rocks graduates can expect around $43,500 in first-year earnings—well above the national median for this field. With estimated debt of about $17,600, that translates to a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly 40% of their first-year salary. That's a manageable load for an associate degree, particularly in a healthcare field with steady demand.

However, context matters here. The debt estimate comes from national community college averages, while Red Rocks' actual borrowing patterns may differ. More importantly, other Colorado community colleges offering this program report similar earnings but with potentially higher debt—the state median is over $24,000. If Red Rocks can actually deliver outcomes near the state average while keeping debt closer to the national community college norm, that's a competitive advantage. But these are projections based on peer schools, not Red Rocks' verified track record.

For parents, the practical question is whether this path makes sense compared to direct entry into healthcare roles. Medical assistants and similar allied health positions often offer on-the-job training alternatives. If your child is committed to this career, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable economics, but confirm actual job placement rates and whether local employers value this specific credential before committing.