Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Pearl River Community College

Pearl River graduates start strong with $50,246 in first-year earnings—above the Mississippi median and carrying manageable $13,072 in debt. But here's the problem: by year four, earnings drop sharply to $33,798, a 33% decline that's hard to explain in a healthcare field where experience typically commands higher pay. This suggests graduates may be in roles with limited advancement, switching to lower-paying positions, or facing regional market constraints.

Within Mississippi, this program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, meaning it's middle-of-the-pack statewide—several community colleges like Hinds ($56,165) and Itawamba ($47,596) deliver notably stronger outcomes. The low debt load is the silver lining here, keeping the initial debt-to-earnings ratio at a reasonable 0.26. However, that ratio becomes less impressive when income falls below $34,000 by year four.

For Mississippi families, this program offers an affordable entry point into healthcare, particularly given that 47% of students receive Pell grants. But the earnings trajectory is a red flag. Before committing, investigate which specific allied health roles Pearl River's graduates typically enter and whether those careers offer realistic paths to income growth. Compare carefully with nearby options like Hinds or Itawamba that show stronger earning power in the same field.