Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree) at South University-Montgomery

Median Earnings (1yr)

$39,761

63rd percentile

60th percentile in Alabama

Median Debt

$30,694

55% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How South University-Montgomery graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
South University-Montgomery	$39,761	$43,365	+9%
Jefferson State Community College	$47,796	$48,121	+1%
John C Calhoun State Community College	$37,672	$40,576	+8%
George C Wallace Community College-Dothan	$26,719	$40,539	+52%
Remington College-Mobile Campus	$27,695	$36,776	+33%

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (18 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
South University-MontgomeryMontgomery	$18,238	$39,761	$43,365	$30,694	0.77
Jefferson State Community CollegeBirmingham	$5,040	$47,796	$48,121	—	—
John C Calhoun State Community CollegeTanner	$5,060	$37,672	$40,576	$14,080	0.37
George C Wallace State Community College-HancevilleHanceville	$4,980	$37,346	$34,749	$12,000	0.32
Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham	$13,420	$34,039	$33,930	$29,500	0.87
Bishop State Community CollegeMobile	$5,280	$30,528	—	$18,591	0.61
National Median	—	$36,862	—	$19,825	0.54

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$66,050/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

$60,050/yrJobs growth:

Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

$44,200/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Pharmacy Technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

$43,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

All healthcare support workers not listed separately.

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.