Analysis
The four-year earnings figure of $30,627 raises immediate questions about this program's trajectory, particularly when one-year estimates from similar Illinois programs suggest $40,034. That backward slide is unusual—most healthcare careers show steady growth in early years—and it complicates the investment picture even with an estimated debt load of $24,121. While that debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 sounds manageable on paper, it assumes the higher first-year figure holds, which the later data point contradicts.
Illinois has strong community college options in allied health, with Oakton and South Suburban producing graduates who earn $46,000-$52,000 within a year. These aren't elite programs—they're accessible institutions with clear outcomes. Roosevelt's private-school model carries higher costs (that $24,000 debt estimate is about $7,000 above Illinois public programs), yet the available earnings data doesn't show a premium to match. Nearly half of Roosevelt students qualify for Pell grants, making that debt burden more consequential for families already stretching financially.
Before committing here, ask Roosevelt directly about placement rates and typical career paths for their allied health graduates. The declining earnings pattern between years one and four needs explanation—it could reflect survey timing, career switching, or part-time work trends specific to this cohort. Without clearer outcome data from the school itself, you're making a significant financial bet on incomplete information when demonstrably stronger programs exist nearby.
Where Roosevelt University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roosevelt University | — | $30,627 | — |
| Morton College | $42,975 | $55,051 | +28% |
| Elgin Community College | $46,319 | $50,624 | +9% |
| Fox College | $42,418 | $48,022 | +13% |
| Parkland College | $36,872 | $42,144 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (33 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,280 | $40,034* | $30,627 | $24,121* | — | |
| $3,985 | $52,161* | — | —* | — | |
| $5,093 | $46,568* | — | —* | — | |
| $3,180 | $46,319* | $50,624 | —* | — | |
| $4,884 | $42,975* | $55,051 | —* | — | |
| $17,190 | $42,418* | $48,022 | $21,579* | 0.51 | |
| 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 Roosevelt University, approximately 46% 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 15 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.