Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at South College

South College graduates from this program earn roughly $8,000 less than the national median for allied health diagnostic and treatment roles—landing in just the 16th percentile nationally. While the program performs closer to Tennessee's median (40th percentile statewide), that's partly because the state's allied health programs underperform nationally overall. Tennessee community colleges like Columbia State and Chattanooga State produce graduates earning $10,000-15,000 more annually, suggesting better pathways exist within the state.

The debt picture adds to the concern. At $26,000, graduates carry about $6,000 more debt than typical Tennessee peers in this field, despite lower earnings. The 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, but paired with minimal salary growth over the first four years (just 3%), it means graduates will spend years managing this debt on relatively flat wages. Half of students receive Pell grants here, indicating many come from families who can least afford a program that underdelivers on earnings.

For an allied health associate's degree, you'd expect strong starting wages that justify the investment. This program doesn't deliver that. If your child is committed to this field in Tennessee, compare closely with community college options that cost less and produce better outcomes.