Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This Allied Health program at Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville delivers solid value within Tennessee's market, though earnings remain modest. While graduates earn slightly below the national average ($25,879 vs. $27,186), they perform better than most Tennessee programs, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The $9,500 debt load is exactly at national median levels, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37—meaning graduates typically owe less than four months of their starting salary.
The concerning reality is that earnings barely grow over the first four years, increasing just 1% from $25,879 to $26,069. This suggests the program leads to entry-level positions with limited advancement potential. However, the financial risk is relatively low given the modest debt burden and the fact that 90% of students receive Pell grants, indicating strong federal financial aid support.
For families seeking a quick path to stable employment with minimal debt, this program offers reasonable value within Tennessee's market. The earnings provide a living wage in Knoxville's lower cost-of-living environment, and graduates avoid the crushing debt loads common in other healthcare programs. Just understand you're investing in job security rather than high earning potential—this is a practical choice for steady work, not wealth building.
Where Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville 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-Knoxville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville 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 Tennessee
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (35 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross Medical Education Center-Knoxville | $25,879 | $26,069 | $9,500 | 0.37 |
| South College | $28,606 | — | $12,075 | 0.42 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Johnson City | $26,624 | $24,537 | $9,500 | 0.36 |
| Allied Health Careers Institute | $26,245 | — | $6,544 | 0.25 |
| Fortis Institute-Cookeville | $25,883 | $25,030 | $9,500 | 0.37 |
| Fortis Institute-Nashville | $25,556 | $28,041 | $9,500 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Tennessee
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Tennessee schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| South College Knoxville | $17,935 | $28,606 | $12,075 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Johnson City Johnson City | — | $26,624 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health Careers Institute Murfreesboro | — | $26,245 | $6,544 |
| Fortis Institute-Cookeville Cookeville | $14,644 | $25,883 | $9,500 |
| Fortis Institute-Nashville Nashville | $15,237 | $25,556 | $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-Knoxville, approximately 90% 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.