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

At an estimated $12,262 in debt—based on comparable programs at Illinois community colleges—this program appears to offer reasonable downside protection, though the earnings trajectory suggests some limitations. First-year earnings of $50,290 sit slightly below both the state median ($53,897) and the national benchmark ($54,327) for allied health diagnostic programs at this credential level, placing graduates near the middle of the pack in Illinois. More concerning is the modest 6% earnings growth to year four, reaching just $53,314—a pattern that suggests limited advancement potential within four years of graduation.

The debt picture provides some cushion. With an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, graduates would owe roughly three months of first-year income, a manageable burden compared to the national median debt of $19,113 for similar programs. However, it's worth noting that several Illinois community colleges—including Harper, Malcolm X, and College of DuPage—produce significantly stronger outcomes, with first-year earnings in the $62,000-$65,000 range. That $12,000-$15,000 earnings gap compounds over time and could represent substantial lost income.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the convenience or specific location of Kishwaukee College justifies accepting below-median outcomes when higher-performing alternatives exist within the same state system. The debt load won't cripple anyone, but earnings that remain relatively flat and trail peer programs suggest graduates may face longer timelines to financial stability than those from stronger programs nearby.