Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at South Central College

First-year earnings of $36,389 place this program slightly below the state median for allied health programs, but the real concern is what happens afterward. Graduates see earnings decline 9% by year four rather than grow, dropping to around $33,000—an unusual pattern that suggests many may be working reduced hours, switching to different roles, or facing a challenging job market in their field. Meanwhile, estimated debt of $25,469 based on similar programs at South Central College means graduates enter the workforce owing about seven months of their first-year income, a manageable but meaningful burden when paired with declining earnings.

Other Minnesota schools demonstrate that better outcomes are possible in this field. Lake Superior College and Northland Community and Technical College both produce graduates earning in the low $40,000s—roughly $7,000 more than South Central's figures—with comparable or even lower debt loads statewide. The gap suggests either differences in specific program focus (some allied health tracks lead to higher-paying roles than others) or variations in employer connections and clinical placement quality.

For families considering this program, the declining earnings trajectory is the key question to investigate. Medical assisting roles can offer stable entry-level employment, but if graduates are consistently earning less after gaining experience, it may signal limited advancement opportunities or high turnover in the local healthcare market. Understanding whether this pattern reflects the nature of available jobs in the Mankato area versus program-specific outcomes would be essential before committing.