Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Lone Star College System

Lone Star College delivers strong earnings with remarkably low debt for allied health students. At $58,408 in first-year earnings, graduates outpace both the Texas median ($55,965) and the national benchmark ($54,327), landing at the 60th percentile statewide. More importantly, they achieve this with just $10,926 in debt—roughly half the state average and less than a third of what students typically borrow for this program nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 means graduates owe less than two months' salary, making this one of the most affordable paths into allied health professions.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to $61,781 by year four, though the program doesn't reach the heights of top Texas performers like Hill College or South Texas College. Still, for a community college associate's degree, these outcomes are solid. The combination of above-average starting salaries and minimal debt burden means graduates can focus on building their careers rather than managing loan payments.

For parents, this represents a smart investment: their child enters the workforce quickly with marketable skills, manageable debt, and earnings that exceed most alternative associate's degree programs. The low borrowing amounts are particularly valuable for students who may later pursue additional certifications or bachelor's degrees in healthcare.