Analysis
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.
Where Northeast Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health/medical preparatory programs associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Northeast Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Community College | $32,840 | $52,612 | +60% |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | $83,933 | $72,514 | -14% |
| Tulsa Community College | $30,605 | $46,914 | +53% |
| Merced College | $31,345 | $39,062 | +25% |
| Georgia Military College | $23,759 | $38,141 | +61% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs associates's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Northeast Community CollegeNorfolk | $3,840 | $32,840 | $52,612 | $14,068 | 0.43 |
 University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage | $7,566 | $83,933 | $72,514 | $21,961 | 0.26 |
 Merced CollegeMerced | $1,194 | $31,345 | $39,062 | — | — |
 Three Rivers CollegePoplar Bluff | $4,860 | $30,736 | — | $11,000 | 0.36 |
 Tulsa Community CollegeTulsa | $3,768 | $30,605 | $46,914 | $18,744 | 0.61 |
 Atlantic Cape Community CollegeMays Landing | $4,863 | $29,378 | — | $9,867 | 0.34 |
| National Median | — | $27,336 | — | $14,068 | 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 Northeast Community College, approximately 17% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 75 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.