Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests workable finances for this program, though both figures come from peer institutions nationally rather than Lakeland's own graduate outcomes. Based on comparable associate-level health professions programs, first-year earnings around $35,200 with roughly $15,400 in debt means graduates could realistically manage their loans—a year's debt against a year's salary is a reasonable trade-off for entering healthcare's workforce quickly.
What makes this estimate harder to interpret is Ohio's healthcare market. Similar programs in the state typically produce slightly lower first-year earnings around $34,100, suggesting Lakeland's graduates might face regional wage pressures. The national benchmark also sits at $35,200, meaning there's little premium for location or exceptional program outcomes in these estimates. For health professions at the associate level, where specific certifications and clinical placements matter enormously, school-specific performance data would be far more telling than these aggregated figures.
The practical question: does an associate degree in health professions at Lakeland lead to reliable employment in roles like medical assisting, respiratory therapy, or diagnostic imaging? Without actual outcomes for this campus, you're betting that Lakeland performs comparably to its peers. Check the program's certification pass rates, employer partnerships, and where recent graduates actually work—those concrete details matter more than estimated earnings when the entry point to healthcare careers depends heavily on credentialing and local clinical networks.
Where Lakeland Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Health Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lakeland Community CollegeKirtland | $3,872 | $35,232* | — | $15,440* | — |
 Ohio University-Main CampusAthens | $13,746 | $34,123* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $35,232* | — | $17,930* | 0.51 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Lakeland Community College, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.