Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville

This Allied Health program at Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville presents concerning earning potential that falls well short of what most students can achieve elsewhere. With median earnings of just $21,645 one year after graduation, graduates earn significantly less than both the national median ($27,186) and Texas median ($24,563) for the same credential. The program ranks in only the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs produce better-earning graduates.

While the debt load of $9,500 is reasonable and matches national and state medians, the weak earnings create a problematic financial picture. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates carry debt equivalent to nearly half their first-year salary. Even more troubling, earnings growth is minimal—only $1,500 over four years—suggesting limited career advancement potential. Compare this to top Texas programs like Houston Community College, where graduates earn $35,469, or Lone Star College System at $33,233.

The high percentage of Pell Grant recipients (77%) indicates this program primarily serves low-income students, but the poor earnings outcomes may trap graduates in financial difficulty rather than providing economic mobility. Given that numerous Texas community colleges and other institutions offer the same credential with substantially better earning potential, parents should strongly consider alternatives before investing in this particular program.