Medical Assisting at Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · Public · Associate Degree · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

A 70% admission rate makes Arkansas State University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 7,994 students in Jonesboro, AR.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,060 put Arkansas State University's Medical Assisting program 30% above the national median of $31,622 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 34.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 28% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Medical Assisting graduates.

With first-year pay of $41,060 far exceeding the $13,864 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #276 out of 1,065 programs, Arkansas State University's Medical Assisting offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $41,060 to $51,621 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 11 registered apprenticeships mapped to Medical Assisting, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
62
Score
63
High End
Earnings $41,060/yr (30% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$538K
5.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
34.7x
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)
$15,508
Out-of-state: $27,652
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,864
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,621
26% 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

Explore what Medical Assisting graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1065 programs nationwide.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Arkansas State University

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 62/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Medical Assisting at Arkansas State University?
At 62/100, Arkansas State University'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 Arkansas State University's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Medical Assisting graduates?
The career paths mapped to Medical Assisting have roughly 252,100 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →