Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Howard College

Howard College's allied health program places graduates near the middle of the pack—60th percentile in Texas—with first-year earnings of $57,122. That's solid for an associate degree, especially with manageable debt of $17,647 (just 31% of first-year earnings). However, the small graduating class means these numbers could shift dramatically year-to-year, so treat them as a snapshot rather than a guarantee.

The slight earnings dip from year one to year four isn't alarming for healthcare fields, where work settings and certification levels can vary widely. What matters more is the comparison: while Howard graduates earn respectably, top Texas programs like Hill College ($78,100) and South Texas College ($68,727) show significantly higher potential. The question becomes whether Howard's location or specific program focus suits your child's career goals, since the financial outcomes sit comfortably in the middle tier.

For families prioritizing low debt over maximum earnings, this works—you're looking at roughly two years of income to pay off loans at typical rates. Just recognize you're not getting the strongest earning power available in Texas for this degree type. If your student can access one of the higher-performing programs without significantly more cost or relocation challenges, that's worth exploring.