Location: Normal, IL•In-State Tuition: $5,460•Out-of-State Tuition: $15,420
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$53,897
Est. from IL median (21 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,262
Est. from IL median (14 programs)

Analysis

Based on peer programs across Illinois, this associate degree tracks toward first-year earnings around $54,000—right in line with both state and national norms for allied health fields. The estimated $12,300 in debt sits comfortably below what graduates typically face in this field (the state median is $13,500, the national median is $19,100), translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23. That means graduates would owe roughly three months of their first-year salary, a reasonable threshold for a healthcare credential.

What matters more than the estimates themselves is the spread among Illinois programs. Top community colleges in the state are producing graduates earning $62,000 to $65,000—substantially more than the $54,000 baseline. That $8,000 to $11,000 gap persists year after year and likely reflects differences in clinical partnerships, program specialization, or employer pipelines. Without actual outcomes data for Heartland specifically, it's impossible to know where this program falls within that range.

The bottom line: allied health associate degrees generally represent solid workforce investments, and the estimated debt here won't overwhelm typical earnings. But when choosing between Illinois community colleges offering similar programs, look beyond tuition to what distinguishes programs at the top of the state's earnings ladder. Clinical site quality, specialty focus areas, and job placement support could account for that meaningful salary difference.

Where Heartland Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates's programs nationally

Heartland Community College (estimated ±10%)Other allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (43 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Heartland Community CollegeNormal$5,460$53,897*—$12,262*—
William Rainey Harper CollegePalatine$3,822$65,443*$73,647$16,525*0.25
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X CollegeChicago$4,380$63,963*—$12,169*0.19
College of DuPageGlen Ellyn$4,320$62,471*—$17,250*0.28
Triton CollegeRiver Grove$4,920$62,280*$57,453$14,285*0.23
Joliet Junior CollegeJoliet$4,530$57,778*—$12,355*0.21
National Median—$54,327*—$19,113*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 Heartland Community College, approximately 21% 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 median of 21 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.