Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Clarkson College

Clarkson College's allied health program sits in an unusual position: graduates carry above-average debt but pay surprisingly little relative to their earnings. At $29,128, the debt load is higher than what 95% of similar programs nationally charge. Yet with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.55, graduates earn enough in their first year to make those loans manageable—they'd owe roughly half their annual salary, which is reasonable in healthcare fields where steady employment is common.

The earnings picture is more complicated. At $52,966, first-year salaries trail both the Nebraska median ($54,768) and the national figure ($54,327), landing this program in the 40th percentile statewide. Graduates from Nebraska Methodist College earn $5,000+ more right out of the gate, which over a career compounds significantly. For families paying sticker price, that gap matters—you're paying premium tuition for below-average outcomes within Nebraska's allied health landscape.

The value proposition here hinges on financial aid. That 30% Pell grant rate suggests Clarkson serves some lower-income students, and for families receiving substantial grants, the debt-to-earnings math could still work. But if you're borrowing the full amount, compare carefully against Metropolitan Community College or Southeast Community College, where lower costs might deliver similar or better earning potential with less financial stress.