Health/Medical Preparatory Programs at Howard College

Howard College's health prep program shows earnings that land right at the Texas median but fall well below what these programs deliver nationally. That $18,922 first-year salary sits in just the 10th percentile nationally, where the typical graduate earns $27,336—nearly $8,500 more. The 60th percentile ranking within Texas suggests this isn't a Howard College problem specifically, but rather reflects how health prep programs in Texas as a whole underperform compared to other states.

The $14,650 in median debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77, meaning graduates owe roughly nine months' salary. That's manageable in absolute terms, but only if these earnings represent a stepping stone to better-paying healthcare roles. If this associate's degree is meant as preparation for further study—perhaps nursing or another allied health program—the modest debt load makes sense. If it's intended as a terminal credential, the sub-$19,000 salary becomes harder to justify.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could vary widely. For parents, the key question is what comes next. If your student plans to continue into a bachelor's program or vocational certification with stronger earning potential, Howard College offers an affordable entry point. If they're expecting this degree alone to launch a healthcare career, both the state and national data suggest looking at direct-entry programs in nursing or other clinical fields instead.