Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Ross Medical Education Center-Taylor
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This Ross Medical Education Center program delivers modest but stable earnings with manageable debt, though it comes with a concerning reality: graduates actually earn slightly less four years out than they do immediately after graduation. At $25,789 in the first year, earnings are below the national median for medical assisting programs ($27,186) but perform reasonably well within Michigan, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide.
The financial picture is straightforward—with $9,500 in median debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 is quite manageable, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans within a few years. However, the -2% earnings decline over four years is troubling and suggests limited career advancement opportunities. While some comparable Michigan programs like Montcalm Community College produce graduates earning $34,585, this program's outcomes cluster with the state median around $25,000.
For families prioritizing quick workforce entry with minimal debt, this program delivers on that promise, especially given that 85% of students receive Pell grants, indicating it serves lower-income families well. However, parents should understand they're investing in a stable but limited-growth career path. The lack of earnings progression means this is likely a stepping-stone job rather than a long-term career, making it most suitable for students who need immediate employment or plan to pursue additional training later.
Where Ross Medical Education Center-Taylor 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-Taylor graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ross Medical Education Center-Taylor 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 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-Taylor | $25,789 | $25,152 | $9,500 | 0.37 |
| 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-Taylor, 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 519 graduates with reported earnings and 632 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.