Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,376 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,504 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,925 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,376/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $26,625 | $10,866 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $24,730 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $21,234 | $9,786 |
The Risk Factor
85.8% of students at Institute of Medical Careers graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Institute of Medical Careers delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The school's $20,376 annual net price creates a reasonable debt load for a private institution, with most graduates carrying just $12,925 in loans.
Health and Medical Administrative Services offers the strongest ROI at $26,625 starting salary with only $10,866 in debt. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services provides solid earning potential at $24,730, though debt data isn't available for this track. Clinical/Medical Laboratory programs show weaker returns at $21,234 annually, barely covering the cost of attendance even with the lowest debt load of $9,786.
Your biggest financial risk lies in Pittsburgh's competitive healthcare job market, where entry-level positions may start below these median figures. The school's 85.8% graduation rate suggests most students complete their programs, but career services and job placement support become critical given the modest salary ranges.
This school works best if you're seeking quick healthcare career entry with manageable debt. The administrative services track offers the clearest path to positive ROI. Medical assisting provides stable employment prospects in the region's healthcare systems. Laboratory science programs require careful consideration given the lower earnings relative to debt.
With 91.4% of students receiving financial aid, most students get some cost relief. Focus on maximizing federal aid before taking private loans. The relatively low debt loads suggest the school keeps borrowing reasonable, but verify job placement rates in your specific program before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Institute of Medical Careers worth the cost compared to other medical schools?
Institute of Medical Careers costs $20,376 per year with relatively low median debt of $12,925, making it more affordable than many healthcare programs. However, graduates earn $21,000-$27,000 starting salaries, which means a longer payback period than higher-paying medical fields.
What programs at Institute of Medical Careers have the best return on investment?
Health and Medical Administrative Services offers the highest starting salary at $26,625, followed by Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at $24,730. Clinical/Medical Laboratory programs pay the least at $21,234 despite similar training costs.
How much debt do Institute of Medical Careers graduates typically have?
The median debt is $12,925, which is lower than many healthcare programs. With starting salaries around $24,000, graduates can expect to spend several years paying off loans even with this relatively modest debt load.
Does Institute of Medical Careers provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The net price of $20,376 suggests limited financial aid availability, as this represents what students actually pay after aid is applied. Students should expect to cover most costs through loans or out-of-pocket payments.