Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Smith Chason College
Associate's Degree
smithchason.eduAnalysis
This Allied Health program at Smith Chason College presents significant concerns that warrant serious consideration before enrollment. Graduates earn a median of $46,174 in their first yearβsubstantially below both the national average ($54,327) and especially the California state median ($62,420) for similar programs. The program ranks in just the 20th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among California schools, meaning 75-80% of comparable programs produce better-earning graduates.
The numbers become even more troubling when compared to other California options. Top-performing community colleges in the state like Foothill College and Canada College produce graduates earning over $100,000, while even mid-tier programs significantly outperform Smith Chason. With minimal earnings growth (just 2% over four years), graduates essentially see stagnant wages. While the debt load of $24,667 isn't catastrophic, it represents a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53βmanageable but not ideal given the limited earning potential.
The bottom line: this program underperforms dramatically compared to state alternatives, particularly concerning given California's higher cost of living. With 109 allied health programs available in California and many community colleges offering superior outcomes at lower costs, prospective students should strongly consider other options before committing to Smith Chason College.
Where Smith Chason College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Smith Chason 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith Chason College | $46,174 | $46,875 | +2% |
| Foothill College | $107,048 | $133,485 | +25% |
| Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science | $60,191 | $86,883 | +44% |
| Mt San Antonio College | $88,132 | $82,800 | -6% |
| Butte College | $65,853 | $73,397 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in California (109 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,100 | $46,174 | $46,875 | $24,667 | 0.53 | |
| $1,565 | $107,048 | $133,485 | $12,000 | 0.11 | |
| $1,332 | $106,691 | β | $15,000 | 0.14 | |
| $1,288 | $100,258 | β | β | β | |
| $1,364 | $88,132 | $82,800 | $9,000 | 0.10 | |
| $1,238 | $80,602 | $63,168 | β | β | |
| National Median | β | $54,327 | β | $19,113 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates
Medical Dosimetrists
Physician Assistants
Anesthesiologist Assistants
Nuclear Technicians
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
Radiation Therapists
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Respiratory Therapists
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
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 Smith Chason College, approximately 56% 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 597 graduates with reported earnings and 668 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.