Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,239
21st percentile (40th in MI)
Median Debt
$15,427
9% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.41
Manageable
Sample Size
19
Limited data

Analysis

The small sample size here is crucial—with fewer than 30 graduates, these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. That said, what we can see suggests Oakland Community College's allied health program lags behind both state and national alternatives, with first-year earnings of $37,239 falling well below Michigan's median of $41,764 and the national benchmark of $45,746.

The concerning gap is particularly visible within Michigan itself, where this program sits at the 40th percentile—meaning six out of ten comparable programs in the state produce better initial outcomes. Lansing Community College, for instance, shows allied health graduates earning nearly $63,000, demonstrating what's possible at similar institutions. The debt load of $15,427 is reasonable and slightly below the state median, which keeps the financial risk manageable with a 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio.

For students certain about allied health careers and committed to staying local, Oakland Community College offers an affordable entry point. However, the earnings disadvantage—about $4,500 below the state median and $8,500 below the national average—compounds over time. Given the small sample and middling outcomes, families should explore whether nearby alternatives like Lansing Community College might offer better career launch points, especially if the commute or relocation is feasible.

Where Oakland Community College Stands

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

Oakland 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 Oakland Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Oakland Community College graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 21th percentile of all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (29 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Oakland Community College$37,239—$15,4270.41
Lansing Community College$62,717—$16,9630.27
Abcott Institute$41,764—$18,5950.45
National Median$45,746—$14,1670.31

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

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Lansing Community College
Lansing
$4,010$62,717$16,963
Abcott Institute
Southfield
—$41,764$18,595

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 Oakland Community College, approximately 27% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.