Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Keene State College

Keene State's health sciences program sits right at the median for New Hampshire—literally matching the state's $36,956 earnings figure—but that tells only part of the story. With minimal earnings growth over four years (barely $500), graduates appear to hit their salary ceiling almost immediately. This contrasts sharply with Southern New Hampshire University's health sciences grads, who earn nearly double at $66,407, suggesting that Keene's curriculum may funnel students toward entry-level health support roles rather than positions with advancement potential.

The $27,000 debt load looks reasonable on paper, and it beats three-quarters of comparable programs nationally. But paired with flat earnings, that debt takes longer to shake off than the numbers initially suggest. For a family weighing in-state options, this program represents a safe but limited investment—you'll graduate with manageable debt and immediate employment, but you're unlikely to see meaningful salary increases without additional credentials or a career shift.

If your student knows they want a stepping-stone into healthcare without massive debt, this works. But if they're hoping to build a career with real growth potential, the stagnant earnings should prompt hard questions about whether this bachelor's degree offers enough differentiation in New Hampshire's healthcare job market.