Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,879
38th percentile (60th in WV)
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.37
Manageable
Sample Size
701
Adequate data

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

Ross Medical Education Center-CharlestonOther 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-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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ross Medical Education Center-Charleston$25,879$26,069$9,5000.37
Ross College-Morgantown$25,789$25,152$9,5000.37
Valley College-Martinsburg$25,153$24,468$9,5000.38
Martinsburg College$23,773$8,3830.35
Valley College-Beckley$19,046$21,265$9,5000.50
National Median$27,186$9,5000.35

Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in West Virginia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across West Virginia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.