Medical Assisting at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
A 90% acceptance rate means Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 8,116 in Carbondale, IL.
Program Analysis
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Medical Assisting graduates command $40,034/yr out of the gate, well above the $31,622 national median. That 27% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 15.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Medical Assisting programs nationally.
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 0% gap from the optimistic case.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $12,000 in median debt clears fast against $40,034 in annual earnings.
At #398 of 1,065 Medical Assisting programs, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Medical Assisting offers 11 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Medical Assisting Career Guide
What can you do with a Medical Assisting credential from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.
Compare & Explore
Medical Assisting Overview
Medical Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.