Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Arizona State's digital health sciences program sits right at the middle of the pack in Arizona—which happens to mean it outperforms the national average by about $2,700 annually. Students graduate with $27,000 in debt and earn nearly $38,000 in their first year, creating a manageable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio. The debt load itself is notably light, landing in the 25th percentile nationally, meaning 75% of similar programs leave students with more borrowing.

The caveat here is visibility: with only four Arizona schools offering this program, "middle of the pack" doesn't reveal much about competitive positioning. Interestingly, ASU's campus-based version of this program shows identical outcomes, suggesting the digital format doesn't sacrifice earning power. For families weighing online education against traditional attendance, that parity matters—you're paying less in living expenses without compromising career prospects.

The first-year salary won't wow anyone, but it provides solid footing for debt repayment and covers the basics while students gain experience. Given that nearly 40% of students receive Pell grants, this program appears to serve students who need clear pathways to steady employment without overwhelming debt. If your child is considering allied health but isn't ready for nursing's intensity or prerequisites, this represents a financially sensible entry point.