Analysis
Looking at health professions associate degrees nationally, this program appears positioned around the middle of the pack, with estimated first-year earnings of $35,232 and debt of $15,440. These figures come from similar health professions programs across the country, since College of the Canyons' own outcomes aren't publicly reported due to small graduate samples. The debt burden sits below the national median for these programs, which could indicate more affordable tuition or better aid packages at this community college.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary—a manageable starting point for an associate degree. However, "health professions" is an umbrella term covering everything from dental hygiene to medical assisting, fields with vastly different earning trajectories. Without knowing which specific track this program emphasizes, it's difficult to gauge whether $35,000 represents a career launching pad or a ceiling.
For parents, the key question is what credential this associate degree actually leads to. If it's a direct pathway to licensure in a higher-paying health field, the modest debt load makes sense. If it's a stepping stone requiring further education, factor in those additional costs. Check whether graduates from this specific program are landing jobs that justify even this relatively low debt burden, because comparable programs elsewhere don't guarantee identical outcomes here.
Where College of the Canyons Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health Professions associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 College of the CanyonsSanta Clarita | $1,176 | $35,232* | — | $15,440* | — |
 Goodwin UniversityEast Hartford | $21,198 | $48,291* | — | $39,835* | 0.82 |
 American Public University SystemCharles Town | $8,400 | $41,350* | $51,205 | $8,358* | 0.20 |
 Chattanooga State Community CollegeChattanooga | $4,550 | $36,180* | $39,058 | $22,513* | 0.62 |
 Monroe Community CollegeRochester | $5,856 | $35,765* | $44,497 | $12,950* | 0.36 |
 Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids | $13,630 | $35,232* | — | $17,930* | 0.51 |
| 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 College of the Canyons, approximately 17% 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.