Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at National Park College

National Park College's allied health program presents a straightforward value proposition: modest debt with reliable but below-average earnings. At $13,773 in debt against $48,020 in first-year earnings, graduates face one of the lower debt burdens among similar programs nationally. However, those first-year earnings fall in the 25th percentile nationally and 40th percentile among Arkansas programs—meaning most peers at other schools earn more out of the gate. For context, top-performing Arkansas programs like Arkansas Tech and UA-Pulaski Tech see graduates earning $60,000+, roughly $12,000-16,000 more annually.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to $54,147 by year four, narrowing the gap with national medians. This 13% increase suggests career progression, though graduates still trail the typical allied health professional nationwide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 means most graduates can realistically manage payments, which matters given that nearly half of students here receive Pell grants and likely have limited financial cushion.

For families focused on minimizing debt and entering the workforce quickly, this program delivers on affordability. But if maximizing earning potential is the priority, comparing outcomes at Arkansas Tech or nearby community colleges reveals significantly higher returns for similar credentials. The program works best for students prioritizing low debt over top earnings or who have strong reasons to stay in Hot Springs.