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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,578 | $45,386 | $45,676 | $22,566 | 0.50 | |
| $3,420 | $48,347 | — | $19,500 | 0.40 | |
| $3,968 | $44,217 | — | $10,500 | 0.24 | |
| $3,150 | $42,823 | $47,071 | $14,500 | 0.34 | |
| $15,340 | $35,350 | $32,985 | $26,612 | 0.75 | |
| 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 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.