Location: Paterson, NJ•In-State Tuition: $5,580•Out-of-State Tuition: $9,690
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$54,855
Est. from NJ median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$15,437
Est. from NJ median (7 programs)

Analysis

Drawing on outcomes from similar allied health programs across New Jersey, this associate's degree appears positioned to deliver solid returns relative to its cost. Peer programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $55,000—essentially matching the national benchmark for this field—while estimated debt of $15,400 sits notably below both the state median ($21,800) and national average ($19,100). That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning graduates could theoretically clear their educational debt in under four months of gross earnings.

The uncertainty here is real, though. With 26 schools offering allied health programs in New Jersey, outcomes vary dramatically. Top performers like Rowan College at Burlington County and Bergen Community College show graduates earning $70,000-$80,000 in their first year—significantly higher than the state median Passaic's estimates are based on. Without program-specific data, it's impossible to know where Passaic actually falls in this range. The field itself is solid—diagnostic and treatment professions offer clear career pathways—but the specific training quality, clinical partnerships, and credential types (which vary widely under this umbrella category) matter enormously.

The affordability picture looks promising if the debt estimate holds, but verify what percentage of graduates actually complete and what certifications or licenses the program prepares students for. Those specifics will determine whether this lands closer to the $55,000 median or joins the higher-earning programs in the state.

Where Passaic County Community College Stands

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

Passaic County Community College (estimated ±10%)Other allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (26 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Passaic County Community CollegePaterson$5,580$54,855*—$15,437*—
Rowan College at Burlington CountyMount Laurel$4,968$81,015*$68,150—*—
Bergen Community CollegeParamus$4,757$72,486*$77,387$20,000*0.28
County College of MorrisRandolph$6,210$66,060*$71,760$12,480*0.19
Brookdale Community CollegeLincroft$5,921$65,905*$64,288$23,933*0.36
Hudson County Community CollegeJersey City$5,020$64,320*——*—
National Median—$54,327*—$19,113*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 Passaic County Community College, approximately 53% 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 median of 13 similar programs in NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.