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

Cleveland State's Allied Health certificate starts graduates around $37,000 annually—below both Tennessee's median ($41,000) and well below the national average ($46,000). More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually see income drop by 5% over four years rather than grow. While the program ranks at the 40th percentile among Tennessee Allied Health programs, that puts it in the bottom half of state offerings. For comparison, Chattanooga State and Columbia State graduates in similar programs earn $50,000+, meaning students just an hour away have significantly stronger earning potential.

The modest debt load of $9,300 does offer some consolation—it's below both state and national medians, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25. However, with earnings declining rather than growing, graduates may find themselves treading water financially rather than advancing. The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty, but the pattern of stagnant or declining earnings in Allied Health roles deserves serious attention.

For Tennessee families, this certificate appears to underperform readily available alternatives. Unless Cleveland State offers unique access advantages or this leads to a specific credential upgrade path, you'd be better served exploring programs at nearby community colleges with proven track records of stronger graduate outcomes.