Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Antelope Valley Community College District

Antelope Valley Community College delivers strong financial returns for allied health students, particularly considering its $12,729 median debt—roughly half what California students typically borrow for this program. With first-year earnings of $64,230, graduates are earning more than the national median and approaching California's state median, while taking on significantly less financial risk than peers at other California community colleges.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 means graduates owe less than three months of their first-year salary, making this manageable even on a healthcare worker's starting income. While the program doesn't reach the six-figure earnings of top California community colleges like Foothill or Canada College, the lower debt burden here creates a compelling trade-off. The 90th percentile national ranking shows this program punches well above its weight class, especially serving a student body where 42% receive Pell grants.

For families concerned about educational debt, this represents a particularly practical path into allied health careers. You're getting solid earnings potential—roughly $10,000 above the national median—without the debt burden that can make early career years financially stressful. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes, and the combination of above-average earnings with below-state-average debt makes this a financially sound choice for students ready to enter California's healthcare workforce.