Health Professions at Onondaga Community College

Peer programs in health professions suggest first-year earnings around $35,200, which positions this associate's degree solidly in the middle of what's typical nationally. In New York specifically, community college health programs tend to deliver similar outcomes—Monroe Community College reports nearly identical earnings at just over $35,700. The estimated debt load of $15,400 falls notably below the national median for these programs and well below New York's typical $12,950, which matters when you're earning in the mid-30s range.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 indicates manageable debt relative to likely first-year income—roughly five months of gross pay to cover what students typically borrow. For an associate's degree that leads directly to employment in a stable field, this represents a reasonable financial position. Health professions at the associate's level generally offer clear career pathways, and the earnings here align with entry-level positions across medical assisting, dental hygiene support, and similar roles.

The uncertainty here is real: we're working with national patterns rather than this specific program's track record. Before committing, identify exactly which health profession this program prepares students for, since outcomes vary considerably between, say, a physical therapy assistant and a medical records technician. Confirm that the specific credential leads to New York licensure if required, and verify job placement rates directly with the school.