Median Earnings (1yr)
$62,934
85th percentile (40th in MA)
Median Debt
$18,833
1% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.30
Manageable
Sample Size
50
Adequate data

Analysis

North Shore Community College graduates in allied health diagnostic programs start strong at nearly $63,000—well above the national median and ranking in the 85th percentile nationally. Here's the catch: those earnings barely budge over the next three years, while debt loads are slightly above Massachusetts' state median of $14,932. Among Massachusetts schools, this program sits squarely in the middle, trailing several comparable community colleges where graduates earn $4,000-$12,000 more annually.

The debt picture is manageable—borrowers owe less than one-third of their first-year earnings—but the flat earnings trajectory raises questions. Most allied health careers see wage growth as professionals gain credentials or specialize, yet North Shore grads show essentially zero movement between years one and four. This could reflect the specific allied health fields students enter (some diagnostic roles have narrow pay bands) or limited advancement opportunities for associate degree holders in this region.

For Massachusetts families, this program delivers solid immediate returns but lags behind peer institutions in the state. If your student can access programs at Bunker Hill or Quinsigamond, those offer significantly higher earnings potential. If North Shore is the most accessible option, the low debt and strong starting salary still make this a reasonable choice—just understand that career growth will likely require additional training or credentials down the line.

Where North Shore Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates's programs nationally

North Shore Community CollegeOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How North Shore Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

North Shore Community College graduates earn $63k, placing them in the 85th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (15 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
North Shore Community College$62,934$63,007$18,8330.30
Bunker Hill Community College$75,659$68,095$19,5000.26
Quinsigamond Community College$69,051$65,790$22,8140.33
Northern Essex Community College$67,610$65,953$14,6970.22
Springfield Technical Community College$64,346$64,462$15,1660.24
Middlesex Community College$63,037$61,962$13,9710.22
National Median$54,327—$19,1130.35

Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs in Massachusetts

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Bunker Hill Community College
Boston
$5,520$75,659$19,500
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester
$5,974$69,051$22,814
Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill
$5,688$67,610$14,697
Springfield Technical Community College
Springfield
$5,520$64,346$15,166
Middlesex Community College
Bedford
$6,048$63,037$13,971

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 North Shore Community College, approximately 33% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 50 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.