Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,624
45th percentile (60th in IN)
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.36
Manageable
Sample Size
451
Adequate data

Analysis

At $26,624 in first-year earnings, Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette delivers exactly the median income for medical assisting programs in Indiana, though this actually places it in the 60th percentile statewide—a respectable showing among the state's 13 programs. The modest $9,500 in student debt creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.36, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their education costs within a few years of entering the workforce.

The concerning trend here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their income drop to $24,537 by year four, an 8% decline that suggests limited advancement opportunities in this field. While other Indiana programs like Ivy Tech ($32,398) and Purdue Global ($31,962) demonstrate that significantly higher earnings are possible in medical assisting, Ross-Lafayette's outcomes remain solidly middle-of-the-pack. The low debt load helps offset the modest earnings, and with 86% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves students who need affordable workforce training.

For families seeking quick entry into healthcare with minimal debt, this program offers a practical path forward. However, students should understand they're likely looking at stable but limited earning potential rather than significant career growth, making this best suited for those prioritizing immediate employment over long-term income potential.

Where Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette Stands

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

Ross Medical Education Center-LafayetteOther 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-Lafayette graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 45th 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 Indiana

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (13 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette$26,624$24,537$9,5000.36
Ivy Tech Community College$32,398$29,191$10,5960.33
Purdue University Global$31,962$29,604$19,0000.59
Fortis College-Indianapolis$28,653$28,120$11,4660.40
Ross Medical Education Center-Muncie$27,186$26,021$9,5000.35
Ross Medical Education Center-Evansville$26,624$24,537$9,5000.36
National Median$27,186$9,5000.35

Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Indiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis
$4,912$32,398$10,596
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette
$10,110$31,962$19,000
Fortis College-Indianapolis
Indianapolis
$14,116$28,653$11,466
Ross Medical Education Center-Muncie
Muncie
$27,186$9,500
Ross Medical Education Center-Evansville
Evansville
$26,624$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-Lafayette, 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 451 graduates with reported earnings and 548 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.