Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Southeastern Technical College
Associate's Degree
southeasterntech.eduAnalysis
Looking at comparable allied health programs in Georgia, graduates typically earn around $40,000 in their first year—right at the state median and notably above the national benchmark of $36,862. The estimated debt load of roughly $16,800 creates a manageable ratio of 0.42, meaning less than half a year's earnings would be needed to cover the full debt. That compares favorably to the state median debt of nearly $25,000 for similar programs, suggesting Southeastern's costs are relatively controlled.
The challenge lies in the earnings ceiling. While this program's estimated outcomes align with the state median, top performers in Georgia—like Dalton State College and Athens Technical College—report graduates earning $46,000 to $58,000 annually. That's a significant gap that doesn't appear to close quickly in this field, where first-year earnings often represent the plateau rather than a starting point for rapid growth.
For families where $16,800 in debt feels manageable and a $40,000 starting salary meets immediate needs, this program offers a straightforward path into healthcare support roles. However, parents should recognize these are estimates based on peer programs, not Southeastern's actual outcomes, and the field's earning potential appears limited compared to other allied health specializations available elsewhere in the state.
Where Southeastern Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,172 | $40,110* | — | $16,757* | — | |
| $3,283 | $58,734* | — | $16,757* | 0.29 | |
| $3,172 | $46,123* | $58,028 | —* | — | |
| $5,934 | $46,061* | — | $24,626* | 0.53 | |
| $3,252 | $40,458* | $45,635 | —* | — | |
| $18,238 | $39,761* | $43,365 | $30,694* | 0.77 | |
| 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
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Surgical Technologists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Medical Assistants
Pharmacy Technicians
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
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 Southeastern Technical College, approximately 39% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.