Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
An estimated debt load of $15,440 for an associate's in health professions positions Cleveland State's program favorably against Tennessee peers, where the typical program leaves students with over $22,500 in debt. While comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,200, Tennessee's landscape is more sobering—the state median sits at $31,211, and outcomes at nearby community colleges range from $26,242 to $36,180. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests graduates could potentially manage their loans, but this calculation depends heavily on which end of Tennessee's earnings spectrum this program actually delivers.
The challenge is that without reported data specific to Cleveland State, you're comparing estimated outcomes against actual results from peer institutions. Chattanooga State's graduates, for instance, earn about $36,000—near the national benchmark—while Jackson State's earn considerably less. Cleveland State's true position in this spectrum matters enormously for loan repayment feasibility. The lower estimated debt is encouraging, but debt is only half the equation when evaluating return on investment.
Given the uncertainty, focus on whether your child has a clear career path within health professions that justifies even moderate debt. If they're targeting roles like surgical tech or respiratory therapy with established salary floors, the estimated numbers make sense. If the career trajectory is less defined, that $15,440 becomes riskier without knowing where Cleveland State's actual graduate outcomes fall.
Where Cleveland State Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Health Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cleveland State Community CollegeCleveland | $4,530 | $35,232* | — | $15,440* | — |
 Chattanooga State Community CollegeChattanooga | $4,550 | $36,180* | $39,058 | $22,513* | 0.62 |
 Jackson State Community CollegeJackson | $4,516 | $26,242* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $35,232* | — | $17,930* | 0.51 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cleveland State Community College, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.