Location: Lafayette, LA•In-State Tuition: $4,210
2026 ROI Award Winner
#5 in Louisiana
Median Earnings (1yr)
$62,184
83rd percentile
60th percentile in Louisiana
Median Debt
$9,363
34% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.15 ManageableSample: 83 graduates

Analysis

South Louisiana Community College's Allied Health certificate significantly outperforms both state and national benchmarks, making it a standout choice in Louisiana's crowded field of 15 similar programs. The $62,184 first-year earnings exceed Louisiana's median by $8,656 and surpass even the 75th percentile nationally. Equally impressive, graduates carry just $9,363 in debt—less than half Louisiana's median of $19,875 and well below the national benchmark. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under two months of work.

The value proposition is particularly strong for Louisiana families. While this program ranks at the 60th percentile within the state for earnings, it dramatically undercuts competitors on cost. Compare it to Delgado Community College in New Orleans, where earnings are $15,000 lower, or even top-earning Nunez, which matches SLCC's results but likely at higher cost. For the 48% of students receiving Pell grants, the combination of modest debt and solid earnings creates genuine economic mobility.

The certificate delivers on the practical promise of allied health training: quick entry into well-paying work without the debt burden of a four-year degree. For families in Lafayette and surrounding areas looking at healthcare careers, this program offers immediate ROI that few alternatives can match.

Where South Louisiana Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate's programs nationally

South Louisiana Community CollegeOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How South Louisiana Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

South Louisiana Community College earns $62k — 83th percentile among allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
South Louisiana Community CollegeLafayette$4,210$62,184—$9,3630.15
Nunez Community CollegeChalmette$4,255$53,528$39,179——
Delgado Community CollegeNew Orleans$4,678$47,284$40,475$25,1130.53
National Median—$45,746—$14,1670.31

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 South Louisiana Community College, approximately 48% 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 83 graduates with reported earnings and 80 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.