Median Earnings (1yr)
$24,905
30th percentile
40th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median

Analysis

This program delivers concerning value for a medical assisting certificate, with graduates earning just $24,905 in their first year—well below both national ($27,186) and Michigan ($25,347) medians for the same credential. Among Michigan's 54 allied health programs, this ranks only in the 40th percentile, meaning most comparable in-state options produce better outcomes.

The earnings stagnation is particularly troubling. Four years post-graduation, median pay barely budges to $25,038, representing virtually no career growth potential. While the $9,500 debt load appears manageable at first glance, it becomes less attractive when paired with these below-average starting salaries. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 isn't terrible, but other Michigan programs demonstrate significantly better potential—Montcalm Community College graduates earn $34,585, nearly $10,000 more annually.

The fact that 85% of students receive Pell grants suggests this program primarily serves lower-income students who need strong employment outcomes to justify the investment. Unfortunately, the data shows multiple superior alternatives within Michigan that offer the same credential with substantially higher earning potential. Your child would likely be better served exploring other medical assisting programs in the state, particularly community college options that consistently outperform this for-profit institution while likely offering lower tuition costs.

Where Ross Medical Education Center-Battle Creek Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Ross Medical Education Center-Battle Creek graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ross Medical Education Center-Battle Creek$24,905$25,038+1%
Grand Rapids Community College$32,171$33,449+4%
Ross College-Grand Rapids North$25,879$26,069+1%
Ross Medical Education Center-Lansing$25,879$26,069+1%
Ross Medical Education Center-Kentwood$25,879$26,069+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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ross Medical Education Center-Battle CreekBattle Creek$24,905$25,038$9,5000.38
Montcalm Community CollegeSidney$4,860$34,585
Baker CollegeOwosso$12,810$32,846$14,7760.45
Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids$4,059$32,171$33,449$7,2100.22
Muskegon Community CollegeMuskegon$6,990$28,808$9,5000.33
Ross Medical Education Center-MidlandMidland$27,186$26,021$9,5000.35
National Median$27,186$9,5000.35

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$66,050/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

$60,050/yrJobs growth:

Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

$44,200/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Pharmacy Technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

$43,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

All healthcare support workers not listed separately.

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 Medical Education Center-Battle Creek, approximately 85% 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 741 graduates with reported earnings and 891 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.