Analysis
Starting at $28,231 might seem low, but here's the crucial detail: Ozarks Technical's Health Professions certificate costs less than half the national median debt for this credential. At $13,917 in loans, graduates reach a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio that improves significantly as salaries jump 42% to over $40,000 by year four. While the program ranks low nationally (5th percentile), it's actually typical for Missouri—sitting at the 60th percentile statewide—where healthcare wages simply run below the national average.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably, but the fundamental tradeoff appears sound: lower initial earnings in exchange for substantially lower debt. For Missouri families, particularly those receiving Pell grants (37% of students here), graduating with under $14,000 in loans versus the $27,000 national median makes this credential far more accessible. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates are finding pathways to higher-paying positions within a few years.
If your child is committed to staying in Missouri and wants to enter healthcare without taking on crushing debt, this certificate delivers on that specific goal. Just recognize the earnings ceiling is real—this won't match what similar programs pay in higher-wage states—and verify the small sample reflects consistent outcomes rather than an unusual graduating class.
Where Ozarks Technical Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ozarks Technical 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozarks Technical Community College | $28,231 | $40,123 | +42% |
| Hannah E Mullins School of Practical Nursing | $42,323 | $40,102 | -5% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health Professions certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield | $4,184 | $28,231 | $40,123 | $13,917 | 0.49 |
 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh | $21,524 | $43,505 | — | $27,000 | 0.62 |
 Hannah E Mullins School of Practical NursingSalem | — | $42,323 | $40,102 | — | — |
 York Technical CollegeRock Hill | $5,512 | $32,408 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $37,366 | — | $27,000 | 0.72 |
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 Ozarks Technical Community College, approximately 37% 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 25 graduates with reported earnings and 142 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.