2026 ROI Award Winner
Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,660
56th percentile
60th percentile in Arkansas
Median Debt
$9,500
33% below national median

Analysis

Southeast Arkansas College graduates from this program start strong at nearly $49,000—beating both Arkansas and national medians and landing in the 60th percentile statewide. That's notable earning power from a certificate program, especially one serving a predominantly Pell-eligible population. The $9,500 in typical debt is manageable at just 20% of first-year earnings, though it sits higher than most peer programs nationally.

The concern is what happens next: earnings slip slightly to $47,852 by year four. This isn't dramatic, but it suggests limited advancement potential in these allied health roles. Compare that to the top Arkansas programs like Baptist Health College Little Rock, which start slightly lower but may offer different career trajectories. The flat earnings pattern might reflect the nature of these technical positions—solid, stable work but with less room to climb without additional credentials.

For families considering this program, the value proposition is straightforward: relatively quick entry into healthcare work with reasonable debt and immediate earning power that exceeds state norms. Just understand you're likely looking at a stable income rather than significant growth. If your child needs to start earning quickly with minimal debt, particularly in rural Arkansas where healthcare jobs are plentiful, this delivers. If long-term advancement matters more, factor in whether they'll pursue additional training down the road.

Where Southeast Arkansas College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Southeast Arkansas College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Southeast Arkansas College$48,660$47,852-2%
Loma Linda University$90,583$99,255+10%
Red Rocks Community College$104,021$85,378-18%
Baptist Health College Little Rock$44,984$45,224+1%
Arkansas State University-Newport$39,080$37,521-4%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (27 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Southeast Arkansas CollegePine Bluff$4,960$48,660$47,852$9,5000.20
Baptist Health College Little RockLittle Rock$13,593$44,984$45,224$13,2500.29
National Park CollegeHot Springs$5,600$44,165$15,5940.35
Arkansas State University-NewportNewport$2,856$39,080$37,521$9,0000.23
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 Southeast Arkansas College, approximately 63% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.