Analysis
Tyler Junior College's Allied Health program stands out nationally but tells a more nuanced story in Texas. At $46,586 after graduation, earnings beat the national average by 26% and rank in the 86th percentile among all such programs—exceptional performance for a community college. However, within Texas's competitive landscape, it lands in the 60th percentile, meaning there are stronger options in-state if geography permits.
The debt picture deserves attention. At $14,500, graduates carry about $7,000 less than typical Texas students in these programs and roughly $5,000 below the national average. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31—manageable by any standard. Even more encouraging, earnings tick upward to nearly $49,000 by year four, showing this degree maintains its value rather than leading to a career plateau.
For families choosing between community colleges in East Texas, this represents solid value: quick entry into stable healthcare work without the debt burden seen at many competing schools. If your child is comparing offers from nearby programs like Kilgore or looking at pricier options elsewhere, TJC delivers similar outcomes at lower cost. Just know that Houston-area programs show stronger earning potential if relocation is feasible.
Where Tyler Junior College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Tyler Junior College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Junior College | $46,586 | $48,962 | +5% |
| San Jacinto Community College | $52,032 | $60,275 | +16% |
| Austin Community College District | $49,448 | $59,099 | +20% |
| Western Technical College | $53,747 | $58,777 | +9% |
| Western Technical College | $53,747 | $58,777 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (51 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,112 | $46,586 | $48,962 | $14,500 | 0.31 | |
| — | $53,747 | $58,777 | — | — | |
| — | $53,747 | $58,777 | — | — | |
| $1,992 | $52,032 | $60,275 | $21,000 | 0.40 | |
| $2,160 | $51,558 | — | — | — | |
| $3,008 | $51,543 | $50,309 | $24,448 | 0.47 | |
| National Median | — | $36,862 | — | $19,825 | 0.54 |
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 Tyler Junior College, approximately 36% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.