Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ross College-Sylvania
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
rosseducation.eduAnalysis
Ross College-Sylvania's medical assisting program offers a concerning value proposition that parents should scrutinize carefully. While the $9,500 debt load is manageable and the program performs at the 60th percentile among Ohio schools, the earnings trajectory tells a troubling story—graduates actually earn less four years out ($26,021) than they do in their first year ($27,186). This "early peak" pattern suggests limited career advancement opportunities in this field.
The numbers become more concerning when compared to other Ohio options. Top-performing programs like Sinclair Community College deliver starting salaries of $43,380—nearly $16,000 more than Ross College graduates earn. Even mid-tier alternatives like ATA College-Cincinnati ($29,280) and Fortis College-Centerville ($28,653) provide better earning potential. With 88% of Ross students receiving Pell grants, many come from families where maximizing return on educational investment is crucial.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 isn't catastrophic, but the stagnant career growth makes this a risky bet. Your child would likely be better served at a community college alternative that offers similar training with lower costs and better earnings outcomes. If medical assisting is the goal, look at Sinclair Community College or other higher-performing programs that can provide a clearer path to financial stability.
Where Ross College-Sylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ross College-Sylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ross College-Sylvania | $27,186 | $26,021 | -4% |
| Sinclair Community College | $43,380 | $38,030 | -12% |
| ATA College-Cincinnati | $29,280 | $29,977 | +2% |
| Herzing University-Akron | $30,106 | $29,950 | -1% |
| Fortis College-Columbus | $27,198 | $29,402 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (83 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $27,186 | $26,021 | $9,500 | 0.35 | |
| $3,435 | $43,380 | $38,030 | $7,750 | 0.18 | |
| $13,420 | $30,106 | $29,950 | $24,721 | 0.82 | |
| $14,075 | $29,280 | $29,977 | $16,640 | 0.57 | |
| $14,023 | $28,653 | $28,120 | $11,466 | 0.40 | |
| $9,385 | $27,980 | $25,263 | $10,500 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
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 Ross College-Sylvania, approximately 88% 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 686 graduates with reported earnings and 829 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.