Medical Assisting at South Texas College

McAllen, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

enrolling 16,131 students in McAllen, TX.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,084/yr, roughly in line with the $31,622 national median for Medical Assisting. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 35.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Medical Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #414 ranking among 1,065 Medical Assisting programs places South Texas College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $32,084 to $34,414 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 11 apprenticeship pathways connected to Medical Assisting reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
55
Low End
57
Score
58
High End
Earnings $32,084/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$348K
1.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
35.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
9 of 9
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,840
Out-of-state: $15,000
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,414
7% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Medical Assisting graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Occupational therapy assistants $68,340 +19.2% 73%
Physical therapist assistants $65,510 +22.0% 85%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Occupational therapy assistants
$68,340
+19.2% growth 73% AI-proof
Physical therapist assistants
$65,510
+22.0% growth 85% AI-proof

View all 9 career paths with full salary data →

Medical Assisting Career Guide

What can you do with a Medical Assisting credential from South Texas College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at South Texas College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 57/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Medical Assisting at South Texas College?
At 57/100, South Texas College's Medical Assisting program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Are there apprenticeship options for Medical Assisting?
The DOL recognizes 11 apprenticeship pathways related to Medical Assisting. For students weighing South Texas College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Medical Assisting workers?
Job availability for Medical Assisting is strong — 252,100 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For South Texas College graduates specifically, local market conditions in TX may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →