At $21,497/yr net price, Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio 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) | $21,497 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,988 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,673/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,673/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.9% |
| 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 | $21,380/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,776/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,851/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,748/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,748/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,196 | $20,330 |
| 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 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,121 | $8,508 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $22,654 | $7,977 |
The Risk Factor
61.9% of students at Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $21,497 annual cost. With median earnings of $38,673 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most healthcare programs should require.
The veterinary technician program presents the biggest financial risk, saddling graduates with $20,330 in debt for jobs paying just $30,196 annually. That debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment difficult in San Antonio's competitive veterinary market. Medical laboratory science offers the best value proposition with only $3,166 in typical debt, though even those graduates earn a modest $26,254.
Your job prospects depend heavily on program choice and local demand. San Antonio's growing healthcare sector supports medical assistants and dental support staff, but veterinary positions remain limited. The 61.9% graduation rate means nearly four in ten students leave without completing their programs, losing both time and money.
This school makes financial sense only if you're certain about your healthcare career path and can minimize borrowing. Students who qualify for significant financial aid or can pay most costs upfront face better outcomes. If you need to borrow heavily or feel uncertain about healthcare work, community colleges offer similar programs at lower cost with better financial returns.
The school's for-profit structure means limited merit scholarships and higher costs than public alternatives. You'll pay premium prices for accelerated training that may not translate to premium wages in the San Antonio job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio worth the cost?
With graduates earning $38,673 annually after a $21,497 yearly program cost, the return is modest but reasonable for healthcare training. The 62% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
Which programs at Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio have the best ROI?
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies offers the highest graduate earnings at $30,196, though this is still relatively low given the program cost. Most other programs lead to earnings in the mid-$25,000 range, which may not justify the tuition for many students.
How much debt do Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio graduates have?
The median debt of $9,500 is manageable compared to many schools. However, with starting salaries around $25,000-$30,000 for most programs, even this modest debt load represents a significant portion of early-career income.
Does Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio provide good financial aid?
The net price of $21,497 suggests limited financial aid relative to the program costs. Students should carefully consider whether the career outcomes justify this expense, especially given the below-average completion rates.