Location: Port Arthur, TX•In-State Tuition: $1,770•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,070
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$46,266
Est. from TX median (25 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$11,493
Est. from TX median (14 programs)

Analysis

Texas allied health programs vary dramatically in outcomes, and while Lamar State College-Port Arthur's specific graduate data isn't available, estimates based on similar Texas programs suggest moderate first-year earnings around $46,000—roughly on par with the state median but well below what top community colleges in the state report. Dallas College graduates earn $84,000, and even nearby Houston Community College shows $65,000. That gap matters when you're trying to recoup education costs.

The estimated debt load of $11,500 is actually lower than both the Texas and national medians for these certificates, which helps offset the earnings concern. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 means graduates would theoretically dedicate about three months of gross income to clearing this debt—manageable if those estimated earnings hold true. However, the wide variation among Texas programs raises questions about whether this certificate leads to the same job placements as programs at larger systems with stronger healthcare employer networks.

The fundamental challenge here is that you're making a significant decision with limited visibility. If your child is set on staying in Port Arthur, this local option might make practical sense given the lower debt. But if mobility is an option, the data suggests investigating programs at Dallas College or Houston-area schools that demonstrate substantially higher graduate earnings. The difference could mean $20,000 more annually—enough to matter when launching a healthcare career.

Where Lamar State College-Port Arthur Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate's programs nationally

Lamar State College-Port Arthur (estimated ±10%)Other allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (67 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Lamar State College-Port ArthurPort Arthur$1,770$46,266*—$11,493*—
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$83,557*$77,214$14,500*0.17
Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands$3,090$69,820*$71,102$11,234*0.16
Austin Community College DistrictAustin$2,550$66,380*$63,522$11,752*0.18
Houston Community CollegeHouston$2,040$64,648*$66,271$14,249*0.22
Galveston CollegeGalveston$2,546$64,633*$70,603$15,500*0.24
National Median—$45,746*—$14,167*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 Lamar State College-Port Arthur, approximately 29% 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 median of 25 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.