Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,492
Est. from national median (44 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,972
Est. from national median (31 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 suggests manageable borrowing for a bachelor's in health professions, though this figure comes from national peer programs rather than Oakwood's specific outcomes. Based on comparable programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $38,500 would put graduates at the median for this field—neither ahead of the pack nor trailing behind. With nearly half of Oakwood's students receiving Pell grants, many families here are balancing financial aid against career prospects in a field known for its diverse pathways.

The challenge is that "health professions" is an umbrella term covering everything from health administration to medical technology, and career trajectories vary wildly depending on the specific concentration and licensure requirements. Programs producing medical sonographers or radiologic technologists often see stronger immediate earnings than those leading to roles requiring graduate school. Without knowing which health careers Oakwood's program primarily prepares students for, the national median becomes less useful as a planning tool.

For families considering this program, the estimated debt load is reasonable if the degree leads to immediate employment in a clinical or technical role. But if this bachelor's serves mainly as a stepping stone to graduate or professional school, you'll need to factor in additional years of education and debt. Contact Oakwood directly to understand which specific health careers their graduates typically enter and what percentage continue to advanced degrees—that clarity matters more than these estimated figures.

Where Oakwood University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Health Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Oakwood UniversityHuntsville$21,838$38,492*—$26,972*—
Thomas Edison State UniversityTrenton$6,638$72,628*$68,341$19,018*0.26
Kettering CollegeKettering$15,672$70,890*$58,053$37,613*0.53
Saint Joseph's University - LancasterLancaster$31,866$70,566*—$27,801*0.39
University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington$7,317$56,924*$64,596$24,990*0.44
Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown$10,791$56,793*$57,659$29,750*0.52
National Median—$38,492*—$26,000*0.68
* Estimated from similar programs
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 Oakwood University, approximately 47% 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 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.