Median Earnings (1yr)
$24,905
30th percentile (40th in MI)
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.38
Manageable
Sample Size
741
Adequate data

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

Ross Medical Education Center-Battle CreekOther allied health and medical assisting services programs

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

Ross Medical Education Center-Battle Creek graduates earn $25k, placing them in the 30th 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ross Medical Education Center-Battle Creek$24,905$25,038$9,5000.38
Montcalm Community College$34,585———
Baker College$32,846—$14,7760.45
Grand Rapids Community College$32,171$33,449$7,2100.22
Muskegon Community College$28,808—$9,5000.33
Ross Medical Education Center-Midland$27,186$26,021$9,5000.35
National Median$27,186—$9,5000.35

Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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 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.