Analysis
Looking at Washington's allied health landscape, Wenatchee Valley College sits right at the state median—peer programs typically produce first-year earnings around $43,425. That's notably above the national benchmark of $36,862, though some Washington community colleges report considerably higher outcomes, with graduates at Tacoma CC earning over $58,000 in their first year. The estimated $18,220 in debt falls slightly below the state median of $19,660, producing a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42.
The practical reality is straightforward: similar programs in Washington suggest your graduate would earn enough to manage this debt load comfortably, paying roughly 42 cents for every dollar earned in that first year. This credential appears to open doors to stable healthcare employment in a state where allied health professionals command decent wages. The 27% Pell grant rate indicates the program serves a mix of students, and allied health generally offers reliable job placement.
The limitation here is clear—without Wenatchee Valley's actual graduate outcomes, you're betting on the program performing like its Washington peers rather than the standouts. If this were Highline or Lake Washington Institute, the estimated earnings would be higher. For a parent, the question becomes whether location matters (Wenatchee versus urban centers where top programs operate) and whether your student has alternatives among the stronger-performing programs in the state.
Where Wenatchee Valley College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health and medical assisting services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Washington (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,118 | $43,425* | — | $18,220* | — | |
| $4,920 | $58,382* | $64,947 | $18,220* | 0.31 | |
| $4,623 | $50,468* | $41,572 | $7,197* | 0.14 | |
| $4,058 | $47,797* | $43,444 | $21,000* | 0.44 | |
| $5,156 | $45,385* | $39,641 | $20,335* | 0.45 | |
| $5,146 | $44,573* | $40,006 | $19,660* | 0.44 | |
| 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 Wenatchee Valley College, approximately 27% 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 15 similar programs in WA. Actual outcomes may vary.