Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Cleveland Community College

First-year earnings of $45,763 land this program in the bottom fifth nationally and below the midpoint among North Carolina's 47 allied health programs. When comparable programs across the state produce median earnings above $51,000—and the top-performing community colleges regularly see graduates earning $55,000 to $61,000—Cleveland's results suggest something isn't connecting, whether that's curriculum focus, clinical partnerships, or the specific allied health concentrations students are pursuing here.

The estimated $14,000 debt load, based on similar programs at NC community colleges, keeps the financial risk manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31. That's the good news. The concerning part is the minimal earnings growth: just 3% from year one to year four suggests graduates aren't climbing into higher-paying specialties or advancing into positions that reward experience. In allied health fields where credentials and experience typically matter, flat earnings often indicate workers stuck in entry-level roles or facing limited opportunities in their local market.

For a family weighing this investment, the question becomes whether Cleveland's specific program connects to better-paying roles than these figures suggest, or if spending two years here positions your child behind peers from stronger-performing programs in the state. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, this serves many families who need affordable pathways—but affordable doesn't mean optimal when other community colleges are producing significantly better outcomes in the same field.