Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at WellSpring School of Allied Health-Springfield

The estimated $27,000 in debt for this associate degree significantly exceeds what similar programs typically carry—Missouri's peer programs in allied health report a median of around $18,000, and nationally the figure is under $20,000. That extra $7,000-9,000 matters when first-year earnings from comparable programs sit at $36,350, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74. While that ratio isn't catastrophic, it means graduates would be carrying about nine months of gross income in loans, more than most allied health programs require students to shoulder.

The earnings estimate itself aligns closely with state and national norms for this field, suggesting the credential holds market value. However, other Missouri schools offering similar programs show that it's possible to achieve better outcomes—State Technical College and several community colleges place graduates into positions earning $38,000-41,000 or more. With 77% of WellSpring students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already stretching their budgets, making that above-average debt load particularly concerning.

Your child could likely find comparable career preparation at a lower total cost through Missouri's public colleges. Before committing, directly compare WellSpring's total program cost against community college alternatives, factoring in whether any specialized training here justifies the premium. The field itself offers steady employment, but the price point appears elevated relative to what peer institutions charge for similar credentials.