Analysis
Carl Albert State College's Health Professions associate program points toward an estimated debt load of $15,440—lower than the national median of $17,930 for similar programs—paired with projected first-year earnings around $35,200. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests graduates at comparable programs could reasonably manage their loan payments, typically needing less than half a year's salary to cover the total borrowed amount.
The challenge here is visibility. As Oklahoma's only reporting school for this credential, and with both earnings and debt figures derived from national peer programs rather than Carl Albert's actual outcomes, there's meaningful uncertainty about how this specific program performs. The national benchmarks show relatively tight clustering—earnings between $35,200 and $36,200 across most programs—which suggests some consistency in health professions training outcomes, but local job markets and clinical partnerships vary considerably.
For families considering this path, the estimated numbers suggest manageable risk if your child lands near typical outcomes for associate-level health professionals. The lower debt estimate is encouraging, and with nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, Carl Albert appears to serve cost-conscious students. However, before committing, contact the program directly to ask about graduate employment rates, which clinical sites they partner with, and what specific certifications or roles their completers pursue—information that matters more than statewide comparisons when you're the only game in town.
Where Carl Albert State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health Professions associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,230 | $35,232* | — | $15,440* | — | |
| $21,198 | $48,291* | — | $39,835* | 0.82 | |
| $8,400 | $41,350* | $51,205 | $8,358* | 0.20 | |
| $4,550 | $36,180* | $39,058 | $22,513* | 0.62 | |
| $5,856 | $35,765* | $44,497 | $12,950* | 0.36 | |
| $13,630 | $35,232* | — | $17,930* | 0.51 | |
| National Median | — | $35,232* | — | $17,930* | 0.51 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Carl Albert State College, approximately 49% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.