Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree) at University of the Incarnate Word

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$44,175

Est. from TX median (29 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$24,121

Est. from TX median (5 programs)

Analysis

The $24,000 debt estimate for this private university associate's degree warrants careful consideration when comparable Texas programs typically carry around $21,000. While the earnings estimate of $44,175 aligns with the state median for allied health programs, this figure is derived from 29 programs across Texas—meaning we don't know whether Incarnate Word's specific outcomes match, exceed, or fall short of peers. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 looks manageable on paper, but several Texas community colleges report actual first-year earnings above $51,000 for their allied health graduates, suggesting potential alternatives worth investigating.

What makes this situation particularly tricky is that both key numbers are estimates based on similar programs rather than Incarnate Word's tracked graduates. The national benchmark shows allied health associate's degrees typically produce $36,862 in first-year earnings—considerably less than the Texas estimate being used here—which raises questions about whether this program delivers Texas-level outcomes or something closer to the national average. For a private university charging notably more than community college alternatives, that distinction matters significantly.

Parents should secure concrete placement rates and specific employer partnerships from Incarnate Word before committing. With multiple Texas community colleges reporting superior earnings outcomes at lower debt levels, choosing the private university option requires clear evidence that its specific program justifies the premium—evidence that suppressed data currently prevents us from seeing.

Where University of the Incarnate Word Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (51 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio	$35,660	$44,175*	—	$24,121*	—
Western Technical CollegeEl Paso	—	$53,747*	$58,777	—*	—
Western Technical CollegeEl Paso	—	$53,747*	$58,777	—*	—
San Jacinto Community CollegePasadena	$1,992	$52,032*	$60,275	$21,000*	0.40
Kilgore CollegeKilgore	$2,160	$51,558*	—	—*	—
Navarro CollegeCorsicana	$3,008	$51,543*	$50,309	$24,448*	0.47
National Median	—	$36,862*	—	$19,825*	0.54

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health and medical assisting services graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

$66,050/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

$60,050/yrJobs growth:

Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

$44,200/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Pharmacy Technicians

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

$43,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Healthcare Support Workers, All Other

All healthcare support workers not listed separately.

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 University of the Incarnate Word, approximately 43% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 29 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.