Top 50 Medical Assisting Schools of 2023

This list of the top 50 medical assisting schools of 2023 showcases the best of the best in the world of health sciences (We recently wrote a post on the top affordable online medical assistant schools for 2018). After considering the graduation rate, retention rate, tuition, and more for the hundreds of medical assistant schools in our database, we came up with a list of ones you cannot pass up. If you want to learn how to become a medical assistant in the near or distant future, these are the schools to start with.

All of the schools on this list are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and many of them carry multiple accreditations. To learn about the resources used for our statistics or our ranking process as a whole, check out the footnotes at the bottom of this page.

Based on our calculations, Wichita Area Technical College is the best medical assistant school of 2023. Located in the heart of Wichita, Kansas, this school received high ratings across the board. It has a student population of only 2,677, and it has an overall cost of attendance lower than many school’s tuition fees alone. WATC offers both a certificate and associate’s degree in medical assisting. Whether you live in the Wichita area or halfway across the country, you can enjoy affordable tuition and quality education right here.

• Total annual cost: $7,155
• Graduation rate: 60%
• Retention rate: 60%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $372

Forrest College is nestled in Anderson, South Carolina. It ranked highly on this list because of its astonishing retention and graduation rates. More than 3/4 of first-time, degree-seeking students attending Forrest College make it out with a degree. You can earn an associate of science in medical assisting here, with the option to move on to higher degrees if you choose to advance your career. Best of all, you won’t pay any extra money if you reside outside of South Carolina. For more information about this school’s program, check out this link: Forrest College medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $13,028
• Graduation rate: 80%
• Retention rate: 83%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

The Ohio Business College has several campuses throughout the state. Most of these locations maintain modest student populations with high graduation and retention rates. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition fees here are $8,100, which are quite low compared to other schools in the state. That’s why it landed at #3 on our list.

• Total annual cost: $11,933
• Graduation rate: 69%
• Retention rate: 71%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Mitchell Technical Institute is located in Mitchell, South Dakota. It has strong ratings in all areas of our research, including low tuition rates of $6,454. You can earn an associate of science in medical assisting here in less than two years, and then you can find a great job in South Dakota or a neighboring state. This is one of the few schools in the state to offer an accredited medical assistant program, and it is one any student should keep in mind.

• Total annual cost: $10,889
• Graduation rate: 65%
• Retention rate: 75%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Want a great medical assistant school in Omaha, Nebraska? Nebraska Methodist College is certainly it. Despite its religious namesake, this school accepts students of all beliefs and lifestyles as long as they have a passion for learning. It carries a very impressive retention rate of 92%, which shows just how great the education is here. If interested, you can earn a certificate in medical assisting at NMC. For more info about NMC’s medical assisting program, check out their website.

• Total annual cost: $20,900
• Graduation rate: 78%
• Retention rate: 92%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

YTI Career Institute has multiple branches in Pennsylvania, making it a great school for any resident of the New England states. This is one of the few colleges on our list that maintains a higher graduation rate than retention rate, which means that students often come back to this school to finish their education. The tuition rates here are not as affordable as some, but 4 out of every 5 students in attendance leave YTI with a degree. Here is a link to more information about this school’s program: medical assisting at YTI.

• Total annual cost: $18,833
• Graduation rate: 67%
• Retention rate: 80%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Renton Technical College is located in Renton, Washington. The school has a small student population of 2,231 on average, but it has good ratings for graduation and retention. At this school, you can earn a certificate of medical assisting in about a year’s time. It is one of a select handful of colleges in WA that offer this degree. If you want to know more about the RTC medical assisting program, check out the school’s website.

• Total annual cost: $10,170
• Graduation rate: 62%
• Retention rate: 72%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $573

Brigham Young University doesn’t have the lowest tuition on this list, but it does have a great track record for graduation and retention. With a student population slightly over 23,000, this school in Rexburg, Idaho is able to maintain a surprising number of students all the way through graduation. If you want to earn an associate’s degree in medical assisting, keep BYU in mind. This link explains more about what the program entails: medical assisting at BYU.

• Total annual cost: $15,743
• Graduation rate: 61%
• Retention rate: 73%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Spencerian College has several campuses in the state of Kentucky. Most of the branches have a small student population of less than 700 students, but the majority of those students leave the school with a degree or diploma. In your case, you can earn a diploma of medical assisting here in a little under a year. Whether you live in Kentucky or not, you’ll pay the same money for your education here. To learn more about Specerian’s medical assisting program, click here.

• Total annual cost: $29,613
• Graduation rate: 73%
• Retention rate: 76%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

As you may expect, Lone Star College is the pride of the Lone Star State. This school has many campuses in Texas, with a total student population of 64,514. The graduation rate here is low, but this school is more affordable than most of the other colleges on this list. If you choose to attend school here, you can earn a certificate of medical assisting. Here is some more information about this school’s medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $7,523
• Graduation rate: 10%
• Retention rate: 69%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $360

Southeast Community College is a great school to attend if you live in Lincoln, Nebraska, or anywhere else in the country. It has in-state and out-of-state tuition rates at less than $3,000 a year, and it is rated number 11 on our list of the top 50 most affordable medical schools. Here you can earn your medical assisting diploma and join a student population that well exceeds 10,000 pupils. To learn more about SCC’s medical assisting program, review the school website.

• Total annual cost: $6,786
• Graduation rate: 27%
• Retention rate: 63%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $540

Eastern Idaho Technical College is located in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It supports a small student population of 716, but it is ranked as one of the cheapest medical assistant schools available. In-state tuition here is less than $2,000 a year, and the retention rate is a solid 63%. It may not be affordable for some out-of-state residents, but for aspiring Idaho medical assistants, there is no better place to obtain an associate’s degree. Click this link to find out more about this school’s medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $6,367
• Graduation rate: 57%
• Retention rate: 63%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $5,146

Medical Assistant Classes at CTC Give You Skills that Employers Demand. 

It’s time to focus on the healthcare career you want. The question is: Where do you begin? CTC is a great place to start exploring options like our Medical Assisting program. Our Medical Assisting training allows you to choose the clinical or clerical side of healthcare because the basic bookkeeping, insurance billing, phlebotomy and electrocardiogram skills you acquire will give you the well-rounded skillset many employers demand.

• Total annual cost: $16,484
• Graduation rate: 42%
• Retention rate: 77%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Kennebec Valley Community College is located in Fairfield, Maine, and it houses an average of 2,436 students a year. It offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting, and it has a very low tuition rate. The tuition here is nearly double for out-of-state students, so it may not be a good fit for those living in other states. Here is some more information about the KVCC medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $7,621
• Graduation rate: 40%
• Retention rate: 67%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $2,580

Carrington College exclusively offers associate degree and certificate programs for in-demand careers in health care by combining a high quality education with a caring and supportive community built for the realities of its students’ lives. Carrington provides students with the tools they need to be successful and graduate prepared for employment. Carrington offers high-quality health care programs ranging from entry-level programs such as Medical Assisting to advanced programs such as Nursing and Dental Hygiene. Programs are developed in concert with industry professionals and taught by instructors with an average of 17 years’ experience in the field.

Classes are small and structured to provide practical, hands-on experience in a concentrated amount of time. Students practice simulated health care procedures as a proven means of improving patient care. This level of preparation means Carrington graduates enter their professional fields career ready. Carrington’s supportive and caring community gives students constant access to career services, academic support, help with personal issues, and financial questions. Carrington is The Starting Point for Health Care Careers. Visit Carrington.edu to learn how to start your career in health care.

• Total annual cost: $18,213
• Graduation rate: 52%
• Retention rate: 70%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Blackhawk Technical College made our list because of its low tuition rates and strong retention rate. This school offers a diploma of medical assisting and supports an average student population just shy of 3,000. The main campus is located in Janesville, Wisconsin, but there are a few select classes here you can take online. This link shows more about this school’s medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $8,397
• Graduation rate: 40%
• Retention rate: 64%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $1,754

El Paso community College shows up on a lot of our top 50 medical assistant school lists because of its incredibly low tuition and high student population. With 32,225 in its network, it’s amazing that this El Paso, TX college has a retention rate of 68%. If you want to become a medical assistant through this school, you can choose to earn an associate’s degree or certificate in medical assisting. Here is some more information about the EPCC medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $6,523
• Graduation rate: 10%
• Retention rate: 68%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $648

Alpena Community College is located in Alpena, Michigan. It has a low tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, but the standard of living and cost of supplies in this area make the overall cost of attendance here high. Nevertheless, the graduation rate and retention rate at ACC are great, and you can earn a full associate of science in medical assisting here. The student population is a little less than 2,000 students. Check this link to learn more about Alpena’s medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $12,195
• Graduation rate: 40%
• Retention rate: 59%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Pittsburgh Technical Institute is far from the cheapest medical assisting school on this list, but it does have one of the best track records for keeping students all the way through to graduation. There are many financial aid opportunities here to offset the cost of tuition, and the jobs in the Oakdale, Pennsylvania area pay well enough to cover the rest. Should you decide to go to this school, you would be able to earn an associate of science in medical assisting. You can read more about the Pittsburgh Technical Institute medical assisting program on the school’s website.

• Total annual cost: $27,610
• Graduation rate: 54%
• Retention rate: 67%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Chippewa Valley Technical College is in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It offers a great diploma of medical assisting program, and it has affordable tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. The student population here is 6,085, giving you the opportunity to socialize without having to worry about huge class sizes. Here is some more information about this school’s medical assisting diploma.

• Total annual cost: $8,250
• Graduation rate: 36%
• Retention rate: 59%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $1,736

Illinois Central College is located in East Peoria, Illinois. It maintains a healthy student population just over 11,000, and it has a medical assisting certificate program most students complete within a year. ICC is a great school to consider even if you live outside of the state because it has the same tuition for all students. To read course descriptions and admissions requirements for this school, check out the medical assisting website.

• Total annual cost: $10,555
• Graduation rate: 25%
• Retention rate: 62%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Stanly Community College is an incredibly affordable medical assisting school. There is a large price difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition, but even the out-of-state tuition is lower here than it is for many other schools on this list. What makes SCC even more special is the fact that it offers an associate’s degree, a certificate, and a diploma for medical assistants. You can choose whatever training level you like. Click this link to learn more about this school’s medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $6,210
• Graduation rate: 33%
• Retention rate: 62%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $4,608

There are several branches of Fox Valley Technical College in Wisconsin. This school has a student population of 9,582, with many of those students pursuing health sciences careers. The tuition here is fairly low, and the retention rate is strong as well. You can earn a diploma of medical assisting from this tech school. Read on to see more about the FVTC medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $8,413
• Graduation rate: 34%
• Retention rate: 69%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $1,754

Haywood Community College is located in Clyde, North Carolina. Like many other colleges in North Carolina, it offers great tuition rates for a variety of degree programs. If you choose to go to school here, you can earn an associate of science in medical assisting. The program takes approximately two years to get through, and it can lead to some of the best medical assisting jobs in NC. Check out this link to learn about HCC’s medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $6,126
• Graduation rate: 23%
• Retention rate: 69%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $4,608

Mount Aloysius College is in Cresson, Pennsylvania. It has very high tuition rates compared to other schools on this list, but it makes up for that in its retention and graduation rates. There are many financial aid opportunities here to compensate for the high costs. This school carries a student population of 1,652, and it has a great associate’s program accredited by the CAAHEP. Here is some great information about this school’s medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $30,703
• Graduation rate: 51%
• Retention rate: 62%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College is a small trade school with a longer-than-average name. The student population here is only 1,400, but this school is still able to offer an associate’s degree in medical assisting. The tuition here is low for in-state students, and the retention rate is higher than average. Learn all about the classes and entrance requirements for this program here.

• Total annual cost: $7,675
• Graduation rate: 35%
• Retention rate: 51%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $2,784

Davidson County Community College is located in Lexington, North Carolina. This school supports a student population of 4,159, and it has low tuition rates across the board. You can earn a diploma of medical assisting here in less than a year, and then you can start looking for work in the area. Read on to see what the DCCC medical assisting program is all about.

• Total annual cost: $6,221
• Graduation rate: 32%
• Retention rate: 54%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $1,786

Highland Community College is a small learning institute in Freeport, Illinois. The student population here is 5,064, with most of the students majoring in an area of health sciences. You can earn an associate of applied science in medical assisting at HCC, and you can also explore other career options through similar degrees at the school. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about paying a lot for tuition.

• Total annual cost: $9,235
• Graduation rate: 34%
• Retention rate: 61%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $720

When it comes to New England community colleges, Sussex County Community College has pretty strong stats across the board. It maintains a low student population of 3,400, and it has a high retention rate for first time students. There is no difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition here, so you could earn a certificate of medical assisting at SCCC no matter where you live. Want to know more about this program and the school behind it? Click here.

• Total annual cost: $12,505
• Graduation rate: 23%
• Retention rate: 64%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Mercy College of Health Sciences is a very small school in Des Moines, Iowa. It has a student population of 846, which is one of the lowest populations on this list. The tuition here is not as low as it is with other schools, but MCHS is catered to careers like medical assisting. You can earn a certificate of medical assisting at this college and immediately find work after graduation. The school website describes this medical assisting program in its entirety.

• Total annual cost: $17,733
• Graduation rate: 50%
• Retention rate: 50%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Everett, Washington is the home and namesake for Everett Community College. This school has good statistics in all of our ranking areas, with a particularly low tuition rate. The certificate of medical assisting program here can be completed in less than a year, and it can provide just enough training for you to find a job. Here is a link with more information about the ECC medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $8,056
• Graduation rate: 26%
• Retention rate: 60%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $1,609

Century College is a surprisingly large school in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. It has a student population of 10,480, and it still manages to have a retention rate over 50%. This is one of a limited number of accredited medical assisting schools in Minnesota, so it is certainly worth checking into if you want your diploma. You can find out more about this program here.

• Total annual cost: $9,791
• Graduation rate: 14%
• Retention rate: 54%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

As you may have guessed, Houston Community College is situated in Houston, Texas. It has a great certificate program for medical assistants, and it offers low tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. The graduation rate here is not as high as it could be, but that may be because the school has a staggeringly high population of 58,507 students. This link shows even more info about the HCC medical assisting certificate.

• Total annual cost: $8,467
• Graduation rate: 14%
• Retention rate: 69%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $495

Kirkwood Community College is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It has a student population of 16,661. Students here major in a variety of career programs, from medical assisting to business administration to music theatre. Most of the degrees here are associate’s, but the program for medical assistants is only a diploma. Go to the school website to see more about its medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $8,275
• Graduation rate: 22%
• Retention rate: 49%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $750

Macomb Community College is situated in Clinton, Michigan. It has fantastic tuition rates for the area, even for students coming from out of state. According to our research, 7 out of every 10 first time students at MCC enroll in a second year of their degree. For medical assistants, that would be an associate of science. The linked webpage here shows more information about this program.

• Total annual cost: $8,596
• Graduation rate: 13%
• Retention rate: 70%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $1,209

Presentation College might be a surprising candidate for our list, considering the in-state and out-of-state tuition here is nearly 17,000. Presentation is here because of its retention rate and exclusivity, since South Dakota does not have many medical assistant schools available. If you want an accredited associate of science in medical assisting, this school is a great choice. To learn more about this program, check out the school website.

• Total annual cost: $27,147
• Graduation rate: 39%
• Retention rate: 67%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Southeast Community College is located in West Burlington, Iowa. It has modest tuition rates under $4,500, but the standard of living in the area makes the overall cost of attendance here fairly high. Nevertheless, this is still a great school to consider if you want a diploma of medical assisting, which will take less than a year to complete. For more details about classes, financial aid, and more, check out the SCC medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $14,495
• Graduation rate: 30%
• Retention rate: 52%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $150

Concordia University is a small Christian school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that maintains a student population of 668. This school has a much higher tuition cost than the other schools on this list, but it does offer small class sizes and a proven track record for getting people through their degrees. The certificate of medical assisting program here has been in operation for 40 years, and all certificate graduates are eligible to take the American Associate of Medical assistants National Certification Exam. Here is some more information about the medical assisting program at this school.

• Total annual cost: $42,513
• Graduation rate: 40%
• Retention rate: 58%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $29,630

Erie Community College is located in Williamsville, New York. It has a student population of 11,684, and it offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting. The program here costs the same no matter where you live, making this a great choice for students wanting to move to New York for their careers. The graduation rate may be less-than-impressive, but that is to be expected with a school this large. To see if this is the right school for you, check out the medical assisting program description on the ECC website.

• Total annual cost: $12,815
• Graduation rate: 19%
• Retention rate: 54%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Rasmussen College is a wonderful school in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It has a tiny student population of 243, with almost all of the students majoring in health sciences. A large portion of the students who enroll at RC come out with a degree. If you chose this as your educational home, you could earn a medical assisting associate’s degree. If you want to learn more about this program, click here.

• Total annual cost: $18,233
• Graduation rate: 42%
• Retention rate: 42%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Alamance Community College is nestled in Graham, North Carolina. It has a student population of 4,666, and it offers great tuition rates for all students. The degree program here is an associate of science in medical assisting, which can be completed in two years. It’s just one of several great medical assisting schools in North Carolina. Here is some more information about the ACC medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $6,535
• Graduation rate: 25%
• Retention rate: 63%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $5,760

North Iowa Area Community College is located in Mason City, Iowa. This school has great tuition, retention, and graduation rates, but it does have a high overall cost of attendance. There is an average of 3,279 students at this learning institute, with majors ranging from nursing to carpentry and beyond. If you choose to go to this school, you will be able to earn an associate’s degree in medical assisting. Click on this link to learn all you need to know about the NIACC medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $14,036
• Graduation rate: 42%
• Retention rate: 59%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $3,279

Goodwin College is a great school to go to for most health sciences careers. Here you can earn an associate’s degree or certificate in medical assisting as you join a student population of 3,316. The graduation rate and retention rate here are quite good, so you will have a high chance of getting through your degree successfully. Click this link to educate yourself about this school’s medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $23,233
• Graduation rate: 45%
• Retention rate: 44%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Central Community College is one of the best places to go for medical assisting training in Nebraska. Located in the heart of Hastings, this school upholds an average student population of 7,283. The tuition rates here are less than $3,000 across the board, but the cost of residency and school supplies may be higher at CCC than at other schools. Medical assisting students at this school graduate with associate’s degrees. Here is some great info about this school’s medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $12,233
• Graduation rate: 33%
• Retention rate: 59%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $936

There are several branches of Baker College in Michigan. This school has a student population slightly below 4,000, and it offers a great associate’s degree in medical assisting. While it may not have the highest graduation rate imaginable, it still is a college worth considering. Here is some more information about the medical assisting program at Baker College.

• Total annual cost: $11,573
• Graduation rate: 12%
• Retention rate: 45%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Robert Morris University is one of the more expensive schools on this list, but it has a great financial aid department to help you cover those costs. The retention and graduation rates here are high, and the student population for most branches is less than 4,000. There are several campuses of RMU in the state of Illinois. Find the one nearest to you, or learn more about it by clicking on this link.

• Total annual cost: $28,287
• Graduation rate: 44%
• Retention rate: 45%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Western Technical College made our list because it has a moderate tuition fee and strong retention rate. This school offers a diploma of medical assisting and caters to a student population of 4,618. If you live near La Crosse, Wisconsin, you should certainly think about attending WTC. If you want to find out more about how this program works, go to the WTC website.

• Total annual cost: $13,516
• Graduation rate: 39%
• Retention rate: 61%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $1,753

Davenport University is a large school in Michigan, maintaining an average student population of 10,697. This school provides a variety of degrees for the medical field, including an associate of science in medical assisting. Whether you live in Michigan or in one of the surrounding states, you will pay the same for tuition here no matter what. Read on to see how this school’s medical assisting program works.

• Total annual cost: $25,289
• Graduation rate: 25%
• Retention rate: 68%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $0

Bossier Parish Community College is in Bossier City, Louisiana. This school offers both a diploma of medical assisting and an associate’s degree, which gives you a chance to select the exact training you want. BPCC has low tuition rates for most students, and it accommodates around 7,900 degree-seekers each year. Here is more information about the BPCC medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $7,583
• Graduation rate: 14%
• Retention rate: 49%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $3,226

Wayne Community College finishes off our top 50 medical assistant schools of 2014. This school has a student population of 3,358, and it offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting. In less than two years, you could complete this degree in Goldsboro, North Carolina and begin looking for employment wherever you like. This link shows more info about this school’s medical assisting program.

• Total annual cost: $6,735
• Graduation rate: 14%
• Retention rate: 66%
• In-state vs. Out-of-state tuition: $6,144

RESOURCES

• Total annual cost, in-state tuition, out-of-state tuition: Data courtesy of the CNN Money College Cost Calculator.
• School names, locations, accredited degree programs: Data courtesy of the website for the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as seen here.
• Graduation rates, retention rates, student populations: Data courtesy of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

To learn about how TopMedicalAssistingSchools.com ranked these websites, review our research methodology here.

• About
• Latest Posts

Emerita Tula, CMA

I have over 10 years experience as a certified medical assistant. My experience includes settings such as family practice, internal medicine, mental health, urgent care, and drug testing centers. As your resident medical assistant expert, I hope to help you on your journey to becoming a successful medical professional.

Latest posts by Emerita Tula, CMA (see all)