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

Jefferson College's allied health program achieves something rare: genuinely low debt at just $7,250, placing it in the 95th percentile nationally. That's less than half the Missouri median and roughly a third of the national average. For families watching every dollar, this program won't burden graduates with crushing payments regardless of career trajectory.

The earnings story is more complicated. Starting salaries of $46,769 lag behind Missouri's median by nearly $5,000, and graduates actually earn slightly less four years out. Among Missouri's 28 allied health programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile—essentially middle of the pack statewide, but well below the $51,000+ that top programs like Saint Louis Community College deliver. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty to these figures.

Still, that debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16 means graduates owe less than two months' salary—a manageable situation even with below-average pay. For students prioritizing affordability over maximizing earnings, particularly those already working in healthcare who need credentials quickly, Jefferson offers a viable path. Just recognize you're trading some earning potential for minimal financial risk, and with 30% of students receiving Pell grants, this low-debt approach serves students who can least afford mistakes.