Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

At a prestigious university known for strong outcomes, this allied health program stands out—but for the wrong reasons. With first-year earnings of just $24,497, graduates earn about $11,000 less than peers at other Pennsylvania schools offering the same degree. Even compared to the Community College of Allegheny County just down the road, which delivers $36,439 in median earnings, Pitt's program significantly underperforms. The 5th percentile national ranking tells you this isn't just a Pennsylvania problem—it's among the weakest allied health programs in the country.

The debt load of $17,619 is manageable in absolute terms, but when your graduate is earning less than $25,000 initially, even modest debt creates real strain. Earnings do grow to $30,805 by year four, which shows some upward trajectory, but that still leaves graduates earning about $5,000 below the state median. The fact that students can access similar training at community colleges with dramatically better job placement outcomes should factor heavily into your decision.

The extremely small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—perhaps this program serves a specialized niche or the data captures an unusual cohort. But given Pitt's reputation and resources, these outcomes suggest either poor employer connections or curriculum misalignment with the regional healthcare job market. Your family would be better served exploring other Pennsylvania programs with proven track records.