Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Southern State Community College

Similar allied health programs across Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $35,365—right at the state median but notably below what graduates from Cincinnati State ($41,891) and the Kent State system ($40,671) typically earn. That $6,000-plus gap matters when you're carrying debt, and this program's estimated $20,364 in borrowing sits just under the state median for comparable programs.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 looks manageable on paper, positioning this program in line with peer offerings statewide. Nationally, allied health associate programs produce a median debt load of $19,825, so the estimated figure here tracks with broader patterns. However, the earnings estimates come from 27 programs across Ohio—a diverse group that includes everything from medical assisting to health information technology—meaning actual outcomes for Southern State's specific program could vary considerably from this aggregate picture.

For families weighing this investment, the real question is whether Southern State's program can compete with the stronger-performing options just a few hours away. If geography or family circumstances make those alternatives impractical, the estimated numbers suggest a workable—if not exceptional—return. But if Cincinnati State or Kent State are realistic options, their graduates' higher reported earnings could mean paying off that debt months or even a year faster, a difference that compounds over time.