Analysis
Weatherford College's medical assisting graduates start at $51,083—nearly 40% above the national median for this degree and substantially higher than what most Texas programs deliver. Landing in the 95th percentile nationally is impressive, though the 60th percentile statewide reveals how competitive Texas is for these roles. The program sits among the state's top performers, trailing only a handful of institutions by slim margins.
The debt picture looks manageable at $20,750, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 that most families could handle within a few years. More encouraging is the 11% earnings bump by year four—graduates aren't just starting strong, they're building momentum in their careers. That trajectory suggests these medical assisting roles lead to advancement opportunities rather than dead-end positions.
For families weighing community college options, this represents a clear path to solid middle-class earnings without crushing debt. The program costs roughly what you'd expect to borrow for an associate's degree but delivers returns that beat nearly every comparable program nationwide. If your student wants healthcare work that doesn't require four years of school, Weatherford delivers better starting salaries than most bachelor's degree holders earn.
Where Weatherford College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Weatherford 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weatherford College | $51,083 | $56,586 | +11% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,560 | $51,083 | $56,586 | $20,750 | 0.41 | |
| — | $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 Weatherford College, approximately 19% 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 52 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.