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

Lone Star College delivers exceptional results that place it among the elite allied health programs in Texas—95th percentile for earnings statewide and nationally. Graduates earn nearly $70,000 within a year, substantially outpacing both the Texas median ($46,266) and national average ($45,746) for these certificates. Only Dallas College produces higher earners among Texas programs, putting Lone Star in rarefied territory for community college outcomes.

The debt picture requires some context. At $11,234, it sits above the national median but remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.16—meaning graduates earn roughly $6 for every dollar borrowed. With starting salaries approaching $70,000, most graduates could realistically pay off this debt within months if they prioritize it. The four-year earnings of $71,102 show stability rather than dramatic growth, which is typical for diagnostic and treatment professions where practitioners hit their stride quickly.

For families weighing options, this certificate offers a compelling path: sub-bachelor's credential, relatively modest debt, and immediate access to solidly middle-class income. The combination of Lone Star's strong institutional support (lower Pell percentage suggests a stable student body) and these earnings outcomes suggests a well-structured program with strong employer connections in the Houston metro area. This represents one of the better returns on investment you'll find in allied health training.