Health Professions at Central Oregon Community College

Based on similar health professions associate's programs nationwide, Central Oregon Community College graduates can expect to earn around $35,200 in their first year—a figure that falls right at the national median for this credential. The estimated debt load of $15,440 sits comfortably below the national benchmark of $17,930, producing a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44. This means graduates would owe roughly five months' worth of salary, which is reasonable for a two-year healthcare program.

The challenge with this program is the uncertainty itself. As the only school in Oregon reporting data for this credential type, and with too few graduates to generate school-specific outcomes, families are essentially betting that Central Oregon's outcomes will match the national average. Healthcare fields typically offer stable employment, but the $35,200 starting salary—derived from peer programs across the country—may not reflect Oregon's higher cost of living or the specific healthcare specializations this program emphasizes.

For families in Central Oregon where healthcare jobs are available, this represents a calculated risk with reasonable downside protection. The relatively modest debt means even if earnings fall short of estimates, graduates won't face crushing loan burdens. However, you should verify what specific healthcare roles this program prepares students for and whether local employers actively hire these graduates before committing.