Location: Sioux Falls, SD•In-State Tuition: $7,650
Median Earnings (1yr)
$73,361
95th percentile
80th percentile in South Dakota
Median Debt
$23,500
23% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.32 ManageableSample: 30 graduates

Analysis

Southeast Technical College's graduates in Allied Health are earning nearly $20,000 more than the typical program graduate nationally—a remarkable outcome that places this program in the 95th percentile nationwide. Within South Dakota, where the state median for these programs is $56,848, Southeast's $73,361 first-year earnings ranks in the 80th percentile, outpacing even Mitchell Technical's strong results by over $14,000 annually.

The debt picture reinforces this program's value. At $23,500, graduates borrow only moderately more than the national median ($19,113), but they're earning 35% above what typical allied health graduates make. This creates a highly manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their entire debt with about four months of gross income. That's a favorable position by any measure, particularly for a two-year degree.

For parents weighing career-focused education, this represents one of the strongest allied health programs in the region. The combination of below-average debt and significantly above-average earnings creates a clear return on investment, especially considering these are first-year figures for graduates entering the workforce. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes rather than statistical outliers.

Where Southeast Technical College Stands

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

Southeast Technical CollegeOther allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Southeast Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Southeast Technical College earns $73k — 95th percentile among allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions associates programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in South Dakota

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Southeast Technical CollegeSioux Falls$7,650$73,361—$23,5000.32
Mitchell Technical CollegeMitchell$7,524$58,960$56,849$14,7500.25
Western Dakota Technical CollegeRapid City$8,008$54,737$47,536$18,0810.33
National American University-Rapid CityRapid City$16,065$41,564—$33,0220.79
National Median—$54,327—$19,1130.35

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 Technical College, approximately 32% 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.