Analysis
Based on comparable health professions programs nationwide, Marion Technical College appears to position graduates for steady, if modest, healthcare careers. The estimated $35,232 first-year salary aligns closely with the national median for associate-level health programs, while the estimated $15,440 in debt comes in below typical borrowing levels for this credential. That 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably manage repayment on entry-level healthcare wages.
What's encouraging is the earnings trajectory: by four years out, median pay reaches $36,087, showing these programs lead to stable employment rather than dead-end positions. In Ohio's healthcare market, where similar programs cluster around $34,000 in starting pay, these estimates place Marion Technical in competitive territory. The relatively low borrowing—if accurate—matters more than earning a premium, since healthcare associate degrees typically serve as stepping stones to certifications, specialized roles, or further education rather than high-wage positions immediately.
The core question is whether this specific program matches the peer data used for these estimates. With 20% of students receiving Pell grants and suppressed outcome data due to small cohort sizes, there's inherent uncertainty about how Marion Technical's particular curriculum and clinical partnerships translate to job placement. If your student is eyeing a defined healthcare role—nursing, radiologic tech, respiratory therapy—verify which credential this program actually awards and whether it leads directly to licensure. That practical outcome matters far more than these estimated figures.
Where Marion Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marion Technical College | — | $36,087 | — |
| American Public University System | $41,350 | $51,205 | +24% |
| Monroe Community College | $35,765 | $44,497 | +24% |
| Chattanooga State Community College | $36,180 | $39,058 | +8% |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | $26,962 | $38,517 | +43% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Marion Technical CollegeMarion | $6,475 | $35,232* | $36,087 | $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 Marion Technical College, approximately 20% 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.