Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at The College of Health Care Professions-McAllen Campus

This program delivers decent value for students entering allied health support roles, though earnings remain modest compared to other career paths. With first-year earnings of $26,556 and manageable debt of $9,500, graduates face a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36. While the program performs below the national median for allied health programs (44th percentile), it ranks in the 60th percentile within Texas, meaning it outperforms most similar programs in the state.

The earnings picture shows both strengths and limitations. Graduates earn about $2,000 more than the typical Texas program in this field, which is meaningful for entry-level positions. However, earnings growth is minimal—just 7% over four years—and even by year four, median earnings of $28,493 remain well below what top Texas programs achieve (Houston Community College graduates earn $35,469). The 78% Pell grant recipient rate indicates this program serves primarily lower-income students who may have limited alternatives.

For families seeking an affordable entry point into healthcare, this program offers reasonable value with low debt and earnings that exceed most Texas competitors. However, parents should understand this leads to support roles rather than higher-paying clinical positions, and career advancement may require additional training or education.