Health/Medical Preparatory Programs at Northeast Community College

Northeast Community College graduates in this health preparatory program start at $32,840—already $5,500 above the national median—and reach $52,612 by year four. That 60% earnings jump suggests many students are using this associate's degree as a launching pad into clinical roles or higher-level healthcare positions. The debt load of $14,068 is modest enough that first-year earnings cover it 2.3 times over, creating manageable repayment regardless of career path.

The 95th percentile national ranking is impressive, though context matters: only two Nebraska schools offer this program, and this one sits at the median for the state. The relatively small cohort size (under 30 graduates) means a few high earners could be skewing results upward. Still, even accounting for statistical noise, the combination of low debt and strong earnings growth paints a picture of a program that prepares students well for Nebraska's healthcare job market.

For families seeking an affordable entry point into healthcare careers, this program delivers solid value. The associate's degree provides both immediate earnings potential and room for income growth—likely as graduates gain certifications or move into specialized roles. Just recognize you're looking at a small dataset that may not perfectly predict individual outcomes.