Medical Assisting at Mercyhurst University

Erie, PA · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

A 83% acceptance rate means Mercyhurst University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,217 students in Erie, PA.

Program Analysis

At $32,656/yr, Medical Assisting graduates from Mercyhurst University land near the $31,622 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 4.5x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Medical Assisting's career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 14% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,000 represents roughly 7 months of the $32,656 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #831 of 1,065 Medical Assisting programs, Mercyhurst University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $38,746 are relatively flat compared to the $32,656 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

Medical Assisting offers 11 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
50
Score
50
High End
Earnings $32,656/yr (3% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$399K
4.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
4.5x
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
$89,020
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,746
19% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Medical Assisting careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Medical Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting Overview

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Mercyhurst University

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Medical Assisting at Mercyhurst University?
This program scores 50/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Medical Assisting programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Medical Assisting program at Mercyhurst University?
The DOL recognizes 11 apprenticeship pathways related to Medical Assisting. For students weighing Mercyhurst 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 →