3 accredited schools across the Columbia metro area trained 122 medical assistants in 2023–24. Here’s how they compare on cost, length and size, plus what the job pays locally.
Updated October 2026 · Data: IPEDS 2023–24, BLS May 2025
Sorted by number of 2023–24 graduates (IPEDS), a proxy for program size and stability.
Private for-profit two-year college in Columbia that reported 101 Medical Assistant graduates in 2023–24, the most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $14,297.
This private for-profit two-year college in Richland County graduated 20 Medical Assistant students in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $22,384.
1 Medical Assistant credential awarded in 2023–24 at this private for-profit four-year institution. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $15,732.
3 accredited schools in the Columbia, SC metro area graduated 122 Medical Assistant students in 2023–24. The largest was Fortis College-Columbia with 101.
Medical Assistants in the Columbia, SC metro earn a median $40,680 a year ($19.56/hour), per BLS May 2025 data. That compares with $41,160 statewide and $45,690 nationally.
Certificate and diploma programs commonly run about 9 to 12 months; associate degrees take about 2 years.