Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Loma Linda University

California has 109 schools offering this associate's degree, with top community college programs placing graduates above $100,000 in year-one earnings. Loma Linda's $70,571 median sits well above the national figure but $8,000 below the state median, landing at the 60th percentile statewide—solidly mid-pack rather than standout. The program does outperform 95% of similar programs nationally, but that's largely because California's allied health market pays significantly more than most states.

The $21,000 debt burden is reasonable at 30% of first-year earnings, particularly when compared to the state median of $24,375. However, the flat earnings trajectory—literally zero growth between year one and year four—is unusual for healthcare fields, where most professionals see steady wage increases. This pattern, combined with the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked), makes it difficult to know if this represents the typical graduate experience or just statistical noise.

For an associate's degree, these are respectable numbers that would support loan repayment. But if you're paying for an allied health program in California, the data suggests community colleges deliver significantly better outcomes at lower cost. Unless Loma Linda offers specific clinical connections or specialized training your child needs, the premium over California's high-performing public options is hard to justify based purely on earnings potential.