Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Spokane Community College

Spokane Community College's medical assisting program faces a significant problem: it charges nearly $20,000 in debt for outcomes that put graduates squarely in the middle of Washington's offerings. While earnings of $36,000 blow past the national average by $9,000, that comparison masks what matters most—within Washington, this program sits at the 40th percentile. Several nearby programs deliver similar or better earnings with less than half the debt burden. Walla Walla Community College, for instance, produces graduates earning $2,800 more while typical debt stays under $10,000.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 isn't catastrophic, but it's steep for a certificate program where most Washington schools keep debt closer to $9,600. Graduates will carry loan payments that could take years to clear on $37,000 salaries, and the modest 5% earnings growth over four years offers little relief. For parents paying in-state tuition rates anyway, comparable Washington community colleges deliver the same career entry point at roughly half the financial risk.

This program works if your child is location-bound to Spokane and needs the flexibility this school offers. Otherwise, look at North Seattle College or even Perry Technical Institute—both provide better value propositions for the same career path.