Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ross Medical Education Center-Saginaw
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This program delivers concerning value, with graduates earning $25,038 four years after completion—well below both the national median ($27,186) and what other Michigan programs achieve. Among Michigan's 54 allied health programs, this ranks in just the 40th percentile, meaning most in-state alternatives offer better earning potential. The top Michigan programs like Montcalm Community College ($34,585) and Baker College ($32,846) generate significantly higher returns.
The debt picture isn't terrible at $9,500, which matches both national and state medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38. However, the real red flag is the complete lack of earnings growth—graduates make virtually the same amount ($24,905) in year one as they do in year four ($25,038). This "early peak" pattern suggests limited career advancement opportunities, which is problematic for long-term financial stability.
With 85% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves a population seeking affordable career training. While the debt load is reasonable, your child would likely achieve better outcomes at other Michigan schools offering the same credential. The robust sample size makes these earnings figures reliable, so consider this program only if location constraints make the higher-performing alternatives inaccessible.
Where Ross Medical Education Center-Saginaw 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-Saginaw graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ross Medical Education Center-Saginaw 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 Michigan
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (54 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross Medical Education Center-Saginaw | $24,905 | $25,038 | $9,500 | 0.38 |
| Montcalm Community College | $34,585 | — | — | — |
| Baker College | $32,846 | — | $14,776 | 0.45 |
| Grand Rapids Community College | $32,171 | $33,449 | $7,210 | 0.22 |
| Muskegon Community College | $28,808 | — | $9,500 | 0.33 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Midland | $27,186 | $26,021 | $9,500 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Michigan
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montcalm Community College Sidney | $4,860 | $34,585 | — |
| Baker College Owosso | $12,810 | $32,846 | $14,776 |
| Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids | $4,059 | $32,171 | $7,210 |
| Muskegon Community College Muskegon | $6,990 | $28,808 | $9,500 |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Midland Midland | — | $27,186 | $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-Saginaw, approximately 85% 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.