Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies at Carrington College-Phoenix North

Carrington College-Phoenix North's health aide program proves you don't need crushing debt to enter healthcare. With graduates leaving with less than $8,000 in loans—manageable on a $26,000 starting salary—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 is far better than what you'll find in many healthcare training programs. The program performs at the 75th percentile nationally for earnings, meaning graduates out-earn three-quarters of similar programs across the country.

That said, this is a stepping-stone credential, not a career destination. Earnings essentially flatline after graduation, staying around $26,000 four years out. In Arizona specifically, the program sits at the 60th percentile—solidly middle-of-the-pack among the state's eight health aide programs. For families considering this path, the real question is whether your child plans to use this as a foundation for further healthcare education or as a final degree.

The value here is clear: affordable entry into healthcare for students who need to start earning quickly. With over half the student body receiving Pell grants, this serves as a practical on-ramp for students from lower-income backgrounds. Just understand that climbing the income ladder will require additional training or credentials down the road.