Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ross College-Grand Rapids North
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This Allied Health program at Ross College delivers modest but stable earnings with manageable debt, though it underperforms compared to the strongest options in Michigan. Graduates earn around $26,000 annually with minimal growth over four years, ranking in the 60th percentile within Michigan—decent but not exceptional. The $9,500 debt load creates a reasonable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can realistically manage payments.
However, the limited earnings growth is concerning. While the program ranks better than average within Michigan, top community college programs in the state like Montcalm and Baker College produce graduates earning $32,000-$35,000—roughly $6,000-$9,000 more annually. Given that 79% of students receive Pell grants, many families are likely price-sensitive, making these earnings differences particularly meaningful.
The program offers quick entry into healthcare with manageable debt, but your child could likely achieve better long-term earnings at several Michigan community colleges offering the same credential. Before committing, compare this program directly to options like Grand Rapids Community College (which offers notably higher earnings at $32,171) or other local community colleges that might provide better value for the same career path.
Where Ross College-Grand Rapids North Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate'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 Ross College-Grand Rapids North graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ross College-Grand Rapids North graduates earn $26k, placing them in the 38th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services certificate 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 Michigan
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (54 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross College-Grand Rapids North | $25,879 | $26,069 | $9,500 | 0.37 |
| Montcalm Community College | $34,585 | — | — | — |
| Baker College | $32,846 | — | $14,776 | 0.45 |
| Grand Rapids Community College | $32,171 | $33,449 | $7,210 | 0.22 |
| Muskegon Community College | $28,808 | — | $9,500 | 0.33 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Midland | $27,186 | $26,021 | $9,500 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Michigan
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montcalm Community College Sidney | $4,860 | $34,585 | — |
| Baker College Owosso | $12,810 | $32,846 | $14,776 |
| Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids | $4,059 | $32,171 | $7,210 |
| Muskegon Community College Muskegon | $6,990 | $28,808 | $9,500 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Midland Midland | — | $27,186 | $9,500 |
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 Ross College-Grand Rapids North, approximately 79% 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 701 graduates with reported earnings and 820 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.