Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This program's earnings significantly underperform both national and Texas benchmarks, making it a concerning investment. With median first-year earnings of $21,645, graduates earn about $6,000 less than the national median ($27,186) for this field and nearly $3,000 below the Texas state median ($24,563). While the program ranks in the 40th percentile within Texas, this still means 60% of similar programs in the state produce better outcomes.
The debt picture offers some relief—at $9,500, it matches both national and state medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44. However, the limited earnings growth (just 7% over four years) means graduates likely won't see dramatic income improvements. When compared to top Texas programs like Houston Community College ($35,469) or Lone Star College System ($33,233), this program's graduates earn $12,000-14,000 less annually—a substantial gap that compounds over time.
For families considering this program, the lower debt is positive, but the weak earnings potential is troubling. With 72% of students receiving Pell grants, many come from lower-income backgrounds where maximizing post-graduation income is crucial. You'd likely find better value at community college alternatives that offer similar debt levels but significantly higher earnings potential.
Where Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services certificate'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 Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio graduates earn $22k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all allied health and medical assisting services certificate 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 Texas
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (89 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio | $21,645 | $23,143 | $9,500 | 0.44 |
| Houston Community College | $35,469 | $37,034 | $16,035 | 0.45 |
| Lone Star College System | $33,233 | $36,759 | $9,105 | 0.27 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 |
| Pima Medical Institute-El Paso | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 |
| Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 |
| National Median | $27,186 | — | $9,500 | 0.35 |
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Community College Houston | $2,040 | $35,469 | $16,035 |
| Lone Star College System The Woodlands | $3,090 | $33,233 | $9,105 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston Houston | — | $31,915 | $9,457 |
| Pima Medical Institute-El Paso El Paso | — | $31,915 | $9,457 |
| Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio San Antonio | — | $31,915 | $9,457 |
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 Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio, approximately 72% 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 1868 graduates with reported earnings and 2123 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.