Median Earnings (1yr)
$24,905
30th percentile (60th in AL)
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.38
Manageable
Sample Size
741
Adequate data

Analysis

Ross Medical Education Center's allied health program delivers modest but practical outcomes for students entering the medical assisting field. With median first-year earnings of $24,905 and manageable debt of $9,500, graduates face a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38—meaning they'll owe about $380 for every $1,000 they earn initially. While earnings rank only in the 30th percentile nationally, the program performs better within Alabama, reaching the 60th percentile among in-state competitors.

The concerning element is the virtual absence of earnings growth—wages increase by just 1% from year one to year four, essentially stagnating at around $25,000. This suggests medical assisting may function more as an entry-level stepping stone than a career with significant advancement potential. However, the program serves its target demographic well, with 86% of students receiving Pell grants, indicating it provides accessible career training for lower-income students.

For families seeking quick workforce entry with minimal debt, this program offers a practical path into healthcare support roles. The debt load is manageable and earnings begin immediately, but parents should understand this represents more of a stable floor than a growth trajectory. Students serious about healthcare might consider this as a starting point while planning additional certifications or education to advance beyond the $25,000 ceiling.

Where Ross Medical Education Center-Huntsville Stands

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

Ross Medical Education Center-HuntsvilleOther 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-Huntsville graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ross Medical Education Center-Huntsville 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 Alabama

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (17 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ross Medical Education Center-Huntsville$24,905$25,038$9,5000.38
Herzing University-Birmingham$30,106$29,950$24,7210.82
Fortis Institute-Birmingham$25,556$28,041$9,5000.37
Remington College-Mobile Campus$24,037$26,469$14,1200.59
Fortis College$23,496$22,618$9,5000.40
Fortis College-Montgomery$23,496$22,618$9,5000.40
National Median$27,186$9,5000.35

Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Alabama

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Herzing University-Birmingham
Birmingham
$13,420$30,106$24,721
Fortis Institute-Birmingham
Birmingham
$14,561$25,556$9,500
Remington College-Mobile Campus
Mobile
$20,476$24,037$14,120
Fortis College
Mobile
$23,496$9,500
Fortis College-Montgomery
Montgomery
$23,496$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-Huntsville, approximately 86% 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.