Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ross Medical Education Center-Battle Creek
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross Medical Education Center-Battle Creek | $24,905 | $25,038 | $9,500 | 0.38 |
| 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 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.