Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,386
83rd percentile
60th percentile in Kansas
Median Debt
$22,566
14% above national median

Analysis

At $45,386 straight out of school, Washburn's Allied Health program earns graduates about $8,500 more than the typical program nationally—placing it in the 83rd percentile. The debt load of $22,566 is reasonable, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.5, which means graduates should be able to manage payments without financial strain. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data.

Within Kansas, the picture is more competitive. Washburn ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, trailing Hutchinson Community College by about $3,000 annually. The debt is also slightly higher than the state median of $19,500, though not dramatically so. What's more concerning is the earnings trajectory: after four years, graduates are making essentially the same amount—$45,676—suggesting limited room for advancement without additional credentials or career changes.

For parents, this program offers solid immediate earnings that beat most national competitors, but the nearly flat income growth is worth considering. If your child is using this as a stepping stone to further healthcare education, it works well. As a terminal degree, it provides stable employment but may not deliver the salary progression you'd hope for over time. The combination of above-average starting pay and manageable debt makes it a reasonable choice, especially if staying in Kansas.

Where Washburn University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Washburn University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Washburn University$45,386$45,676+1%
Tacoma Community College$58,382$64,947+11%
Concorde Career College-North Hollywood$50,613$64,792+28%
Kansas City Kansas Community College$42,823$47,071+10%
Rasmussen University-Kansas$35,350$32,985-7%

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (19 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Washburn UniversityTopeka$9,578$45,386$45,676$22,5660.50
Hutchinson Community CollegeHutchinson$3,420$48,347—$19,5000.40
Labette Community CollegeParsons$3,968$44,217—$10,5000.24
Kansas City Kansas Community CollegeKansas City$3,150$42,823$47,071$14,5000.34
Rasmussen University-KansasTopeka$15,340$35,350$32,985$26,6120.75
National Median—$36,862—$19,8250.54

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 Washburn University, approximately 31% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.