Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests manageable borrowing for a health professions associate degree, though the figures here come from similar programs nationally rather than Dyersburg State's specific outcomes. Based on these peer programs, first-year earnings of $35,232 would exceed what most Tennessee health associate degrees deliver—the state median sits at just $31,211. However, the estimated $15,440 debt load runs significantly lower than Tennessee's typical $22,513, which could reflect either conservative borrowing patterns or the school's more affordable tuition structure serving a student body where 37% receive Pell grants.
The challenge is that health professions associate degrees cover everything from dental hygiene to medical coding, with wildly different earning trajectories depending on licensure requirements and local demand. Chattanooga State's graduates earning $36,180 demonstrate the ceiling for these programs in Tennessee, while Jackson State's $26,242 outcome shows the floor—a $10,000 spread that makes all the difference when you're carrying debt. Without knowing which specific health track Dyersburg State emphasizes or whether its graduates match these estimates, you're making a financial commitment based on regional averages rather than proven track record.
The practical move: confirm which specific health credential this program awards, verify whether it leads to licensure, and investigate job placement rates directly with the program. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but in healthcare education, the credential type matters more than the school name.
Where Dyersburg 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dyersburg State Community CollegeDyersburg | $4,540 | $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 Dyersburg State Community College, approximately 37% 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.