Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Frederick Community College

Frederick Community College's allied health program launches graduates into solid-paying careers quickly—median earnings of nearly $60,000 within a year outpace both national and Maryland medians by roughly $5,000. That's 74th percentile nationally, which translates to beating three-quarters of similar programs across the country. The manageable debt load of $16,348 (well below state and national averages) means graduates owe less than three months' salary, a comfortable starting point for anyone entering healthcare.

The concerning element is what happens next: earnings slip to $57,628 by year four, a modest but unusual decline in a field that typically rewards experience. For context, Maryland's top community college programs in this field—like Howard CC and Baltimore County CC—place graduates earning $69,000 to $72,000, suggesting Frederick's program may funnel students toward lower-ceiling specializations or less competitive positions. At 60th percentile statewide, it's solidly middle-of-the-pack for Maryland.

The value calculation depends on career trajectory. If your child is targeting a specific allied health role where this program has strong placement (check that with advisors), the low debt and immediate earnings make it financially sound. But if they're undecided about specialization within allied health, one of Maryland's higher-earning programs might offer better long-term positioning—especially given those $10,000+ earnings differences at graduation that compound over a career.