Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at South University-Montgomery
Associate's Degree
Analysis
South University-Montgomery's allied health program stands out for its manageable debt burden, ranking in the 5th percentile nationally for student loans—meaning 95% of similar programs saddle graduates with more debt. While the $30,694 median debt is still above state and national averages, graduates start earning $39,761 within a year, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio of 0.77.
The earnings picture is solid but not spectacular. At $39,761 initially, graduates earn about $3,000 more than the national median and significantly outpace the Alabama median of $32,284. However, this program doesn't crack the top tier in Alabama—Jefferson State's graduates earn $8,000 more right out of the gate. The 9% earnings growth to $43,365 by year four is modest but steady.
For families weighing this investment, the program offers a practical path into healthcare with contained debt risk. The 70% Pell Grant rate indicates the school serves many lower-income students successfully. While you won't see the highest starting salaries compared to Alabama's top programs, the combination of reasonable debt and above-average earnings creates a workable financial foundation for healthcare careers.
Where South University-Montgomery Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates'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 South University-Montgomery graduates compare to all programs nationally
South University-Montgomery graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services associates 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 Alabama
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (18 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South University-Montgomery | $39,761 | $43,365 | $30,694 | 0.77 |
| Jefferson State Community College | $47,796 | $48,121 | — | — |
| John C Calhoun State Community College | $37,672 | $40,576 | $14,080 | 0.37 |
| George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville | $37,346 | $34,749 | $12,000 | 0.32 |
| Herzing University-Birmingham | $34,039 | $33,930 | $29,500 | 0.87 |
| Bishop State Community College | $30,528 | — | $18,591 | 0.61 |
| National Median | $36,862 | — | $19,825 | 0.54 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson State Community College Birmingham | $5,040 | $47,796 | — |
| John C Calhoun State Community College Tanner | $5,060 | $37,672 | $14,080 |
| George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville Hanceville | $4,980 | $37,346 | $12,000 |
| Herzing University-Birmingham Birmingham | $13,420 | $34,039 | $29,500 |
| Bishop State Community College Mobile | $5,280 | $30,528 | $18,591 |
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 South University-Montgomery, approximately 70% 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 493 graduates with reported earnings and 526 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.