Medical Assisting at Caribbean University-Ponce

Ponce, PR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $7,046/yr (-79% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (252,100 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #12 of 12 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs

Program Analysis

The distinct earnings profile for graduates from this program reflects the unique economic landscape of Puerto Rico, where allied health wages, particularly for roles like medical assistants, are often significantly lower than mainland U.S. averages. Your initial career path will likely involve supporting roles in local clinics, private physician offices, or community health centers in Ponce and surrounding areas, handling administrative tasks and basic clinical duties. While critical to healthcare operations, these positions typically offer modest compensation, explaining the overall financial outcomes. Be aware that the higher-paying career paths listed, such as occupational therapy assistants or surgical technologists, usually demand additional specialized certifications or associate's degrees beyond a general medical assisting program. If those roles are your goal, you'll need to strategically plan for further education. To maximize your potential from this program, focus on gaining hands-on experience and networking within the local healthcare community, understanding that upward mobility often requires further investment in specialized training.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Medical Assisting graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $338K $339K $342K
Earnings Multiple 14.2x 14.2x 14.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 53% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$23,864
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$26,720
-12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,125
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$15,536
120% growth from Year 1

About Caribbean University-Ponce

a compact campus enrolling 419 students in Ponce, PR. Pell Grant recipients make up 75% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Caribbean University-Ponce →

Top Career Paths

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Occupational therapy assistants $68,340/yr
Physical therapist assistants $65,510/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Medical Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Caribbean University-Ponce

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Medical Assisting at Caribbean University-Ponce?
At 27/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Medical Assisting programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Medical Assisting degree from Caribbean University-Ponce?
At $7,125 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Caribbean University-Ponce a good choice for Medical Assisting despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Caribbean University-Ponce's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →