Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's allied health program produces graduates earning about $41,000 in their first year—well below both the state median of $45,000 and the national median of $54,000. While the program ranks at the 40th percentile within Mississippi, stronger in-state options are readily available. Hinds Community College graduates earn $56,000, a difference of nearly $15,000 annually that compounds significantly over a career. Pearl River and Itawamba also substantially outperform this program.

The bright spot here is the $12,000 median debt, which matches the state average and sits well below the national median of $19,000. That low debt load means graduates aren't crushed by monthly payments, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 keeping obligations manageable. However, the modest 5% earnings growth to year four suggests limited advancement potential in the career paths graduates pursue.

For Mississippi families, this program offers affordable entry into allied health fields, but the earnings gap compared to other community colleges in the state is too large to ignore. Given that all these programs lead to similar credentials and career paths, choosing a program based purely on convenience or proximity could cost your child $10,000-$15,000 annually. If commuting to Hinds, Pearl River, or Itawamba is feasible, those programs deliver substantially better return on investment.