Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ross Medical Education Center-Charleston
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Ross Medical Education Center-Charleston delivers solid value for a medical assisting program, particularly within West Virginia's market. While graduates earn about $2,000 less than the national median ($25,879 vs. $27,186), they outperform 60% of similar programs in West Virginia, where the state median is $25,153. The program's debt load of $9,500 is exactly at national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37—meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans.
The concerning reality is the lack of earnings growth: graduates see virtually no income progression from year one to year four (just 1% growth). This suggests medical assisting roles hit an earnings ceiling quickly, which is typical for this field but important to understand upfront. With 87% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves lower-income students seeking accessible healthcare career entry.
For anxious parents, this program represents a relatively safe bet for immediate employment in healthcare, but not a path to significant income growth. At under $26,000 annually, these earnings require realistic expectations about lifestyle and long-term financial goals. The low debt burden and decent state-level performance make it a reasonable choice for students seeking quick entry into stable healthcare work, but families hoping for substantial earning potential should consider other healthcare pathways.
Where Ross Medical Education Center-Charleston 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-Charleston graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ross Medical Education Center-Charleston 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 West Virginia
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross Medical Education Center-Charleston | $25,879 | $26,069 | $9,500 | 0.37 |
| Ross College-Morgantown | $25,789 | $25,152 | $9,500 | 0.37 |
| Valley College-Martinsburg | $25,153 | $24,468 | $9,500 | 0.38 |
| Martinsburg College | $23,773 | — | $8,383 | 0.35 |
| Valley College-Beckley | $19,046 | $21,265 | $9,500 | 0.50 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in West Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across West Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ross College-Morgantown Morgantown | — | $25,789 | $9,500 |
| Valley College-Martinsburg Martinsburg | — | $25,153 | $9,500 |
| Martinsburg College Martinsburg | — | $23,773 | $8,383 |
| Valley College-Beckley Beckley | — | $19,046 | $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-Charleston, approximately 87% 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.