At $16,117/yr net price, New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants graduates earn $38,899/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,899/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,117 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,468 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,899/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,899/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,309 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,150/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,150/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,150/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,111/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $24,243 | $8,245 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $24,035 | $8,650 |
The Risk Factor
63.0% of students at New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. With median earnings of $38,899 ten years after graduation and a net price of $16,117 annually, you face a challenging path to financial recovery.
Both major program tracks at this school lead to concerning outcomes. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates earn just $24,243 annually while carrying $8,245 in debt. The Dental Support Services track performs similarly poorly at $24,035 in earnings with $8,650 in debt. These salaries barely exceed minimum wage levels in the New York metropolitan area, where living costs remain high.
The school's 37% dropout rate compounds the financial risk. More than one in three students leave without completing their programs, often while still carrying debt obligations. This pattern suggests many students struggle with either the academic demands or recognize the poor earning potential before graduation.
You should consider this school only if you have specific circumstances that make alternative paths impossible. The high financial aid participation rate of 89% indicates most students struggle to afford even this relatively low-cost program without assistance. However, even with aid, the return on investment remains poor given the regional job market realities.
Look elsewhere if you have access to community college programs in medical assisting or dental assisting, which typically cost less and provide similar credential recognition. The school makes financial sense only for students who need the specific scheduling flexibility of a for-profit institution and have no other viable training options in the healthcare support field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants worth the cost?
The school offers decent value for healthcare support careers with relatively low debt ($8,309 median) and graduates earning $38,899 after 10 years. However, the 63% graduation rate means over one-third of students don't finish their programs.
What is the return on investment for New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants programs?
With total program costs around $24,000 and starting salaries typically in the $30,000-40,000 range, graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their education within a few years. The low debt levels make this school less risky than many for-profit institutions.
Do New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants graduates get good jobs?
Graduates earn about $38,899 ten years after enrollment, which is typical for medical and dental assistant roles. The healthcare support field offers steady employment, though wages remain modest compared to other healthcare careers.
How much debt do students have after New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants?
The median debt is $8,309, which is manageable compared to many career schools. Most students can handle this debt level on a medical assistant's salary, making the financial risk relatively low.