Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas

Similar health sciences certificate programs in Arkansas produce widely different outcomes, ranging from $28,000 to over $50,000 in first-year earnings. Based on the state median of comparable programs, Phillips Community College graduates would enter at $39,602—solidly in the middle of that range and about $6,400 above the national median. The estimated debt of around $14,000 creates a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about four months of gross income.

The challenge here is understanding what specific health credential Phillips offers and how it stacks up against Northwest Arkansas Community College and East Arkansas Community College, where peer programs lead to $51,000-$52,000 in first-year earnings. That $12,000-$13,000 gap matters significantly when you're starting from a modest baseline. The difference often comes down to which specific health occupation the certificate prepares students for—certifications in certain allied health roles command substantially higher wages than others.

For parents considering this program, the key is getting specific about the credential itself. Ask Phillips what positions graduates typically move into and compare those job titles to what higher-earning programs in the state offer. The estimated debt load is reasonable, but you want to ensure you're investing in a certificate that leads to one of the stronger-paying allied health roles rather than settling for outcomes at the lower end of Arkansas's range.