Analysis
Similar health professions programs across the country suggest first-year earnings around $35,200, with estimated debt of $15,400—a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio that falls well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. For an associate's degree in healthcare, these are workable numbers, particularly since the estimated debt sits below the national typical for this field.
What makes interpretation challenging here is the suppressed data, which usually indicates very small graduating cohorts. This could mean Northwest State's program is quite specialized or simply enrolling fewer students than peer programs. The estimated earnings align closely with Ohio's median for health professions associate degrees ($34,100), suggesting the program fits regional norms rather than offering premium outcomes.
For parents, the financial picture appears reasonable if the program leads to immediate employment in healthcare—the debt could feasibly be managed on a $35,000 salary. However, you'll need to dig into which specific credential this leads to and what licensing or additional requirements might follow. Some health professions associate degrees are direct entry points to careers (like radiologic technology), while others are stepping stones requiring further education. Contact the school directly to understand the typical career path and whether graduates are actually working in healthcare positions shortly after completion, since the estimates can't tell you that.
Where Northwest State Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Health Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (17 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Northwest State Community CollegeArchbold | $4,578 | $35,232* | — | $15,440* | — |
 Ohio University-Main CampusAthens | $13,746 | $34,123* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $35,232* | — | $17,930* | 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 Northwest State Community College, approximately 11% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.