Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
scitexas.eduAnalysis
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 reliefβat $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 annuallyβa 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
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio | $21,645 | $23,143 | +7% |
| Houston Community College | $35,469 | $37,034 | +4% |
| Lone Star College System | $33,233 | $36,759 | +11% |
| Lamson Institute | $26,882 | $34,236 | +27% |
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston | $31,915 | $33,511 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (89 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| β | $21,645 | $23,143 | $9,500 | 0.44 | |
| $2,040 | $35,469 | $37,034 | $16,035 | 0.45 | |
| $3,090 | $33,233 | $36,759 | $9,105 | 0.27 | |
| β | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 | |
| β | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 | |
| β | $31,915 | $33,511 | $9,457 | 0.30 | |
| National Median | β | $27,186 | β | $9,500 | 0.35 |
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 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.