Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

Similar allied health certificate programs in Arkansas suggest first-year earnings around $39,600—squarely at the state median but well above the $33,200 national benchmark. The estimated $14,000 in debt translates to a manageable 0.35 ratio, meaning graduates from comparable programs typically earn roughly three times what they owe. For a short-term credential in healthcare, these are workable numbers, though it's worth noting that the top-performing programs in the state (like NorthWest Arkansas and East Arkansas Community Colleges) produce graduates earning $52,000 or more in their first year.

The real question is what specific allied health pathway this certificate prepares students for. "Allied health" is an umbrella term covering everything from phlebotomy to dental hygiene to respiratory therapy—fields with vastly different earning trajectories. Arkansas has 19 programs in this category, and the $28,000 to $52,000 range among peer schools suggests the specific concentration matters enormously.

For families considering Cossatot, the key is getting clarity on job placement rates and what specific healthcare roles recent certificate holders have secured. With 35% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves students who need credentials to translate directly into employment. The estimated debt load won't be crushing if the program leads to steady healthcare work, but you'll want to verify which clinical skills and certifications graduates actually leave with.