Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Pikes Peak State College

Colorado's allied health programs cluster tightly around $58,000 in first-year earnings, and Pikes Peak's program—with estimated returns near that state median—lands right in this competitive range. At an estimated $20,750 in debt, the numbers suggest a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning graduates would owe roughly 36 cents for every dollar earned in their first year. That's considerably better than the state median debt of $22,896 and positions this program as relatively affordable within Colorado's allied health landscape.

The concerning element here is the earnings dip from year one to year four—dropping from an estimated $57,852 to $53,587. In allied health fields, you'd typically expect salaries to climb as professionals gain experience and potentially earn specialized certifications. This decline could reflect graduates moving between positions, working reduced hours, or hitting early salary ceilings in certain specialties. It's worth investigating which specific allied health careers this program prepares students for, since diagnostic and treatment roles vary dramatically in earning potential.

The bottom line: If your child is targeting a specific allied health career with clear licensure requirements, verify that Pikes Peak's program delivers the necessary credentials. The estimated debt load appears reasonable, but the backward earnings trajectory from year one to year four deserves scrutiny before committing. Programs like Red Rocks show that stronger outcomes exist within Colorado's community college system.