At $21,060/yr net price, Pima Medical Institute-Houston graduates earn $38,673/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,673/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,060 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,240 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,673/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,673/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,042/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,659/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,047/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $63,402 | $32,498 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $54,438 | $26,923 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,723 | $26,524 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,140 | $8,890 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $26,254 | $3,166 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $25,277 | $8,707 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $25,194 | $8,894 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,121 | $8,508 |
The Risk Factor
58.5% of students at Pima Medical Institute-Houston graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Pima Medical Institute-Houston delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on which healthcare program you choose. The school's dental support services program stands out with graduates earning $63,402 annually, making the $32,498 in typical debt manageable within the healthcare field's earning potential.
Allied health diagnostic and intervention programs also show solid returns at $54,438 in median earnings, though you'll carry $26,923 in debt. Medical assisting presents a split picture with one track earning $45,723 and another earning just $27,140, both requiring similar debt loads around $26,000. The lower-earning medical assisting track creates concerning debt-to-income ratios that could strain your budget for years.
Laboratory science programs carry minimal debt at $3,166 but produce low earnings at $26,254, creating a different type of financial challenge where your degree may not provide enough income growth to justify the time investment.
The 58.5% graduation rate means four in ten students leave without credentials, losing their investment entirely. This risk factor hits harder at a for-profit institution where you cannot transfer credits easily.
You should consider this school if you can commit to dental support services or diagnostic programs and have clear career goals in those specific fields. Skip Pima Medical Institute-Houston if you're unsure about your healthcare specialty or considering the lower-paying medical assisting track. The school works best for focused students who can complete programs quickly and enter Houston's healthcare job market with in-demand skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pima Medical Institute-Houston worth the cost?
With average earnings of $38,673 ten years after graduation and a net price of $21,060 per year, the return is modest for most programs. The school works best for specific high-paying fields like dental support services, which averages $63,402 annually.
What programs at Pima Medical Institute-Houston have the best job prospects?
Dental support services offers the strongest earnings at $63,402, followed by diagnostic health professions at $54,438. Medical assisting programs show mixed results, with some earning $45,723 and others only $27,140.
How much debt do Pima Medical Institute-Houston graduates typically have?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,500, which helps offset the modest earnings for most programs. This lower debt load makes the school more viable than similar institutions with higher borrowing requirements.
Does Pima Medical Institute-Houston have good graduation rates?
The graduation rate is 58.5%, which is below average for healthcare programs. This means over 40% of students don't complete their programs, adding risk to the investment.