Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Southern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College graduates earn $64,549 their first year out—nearly $10,000 above the national median for allied health diagnostic programs and ranking in the 91st percentile nationally. That's exceptional performance for an associate degree. However, this is one of eight similar programs in Maine, and at the 60th percentile statewide, it sits in the middle of the pack locally. Maine College of Health Professions edges it out slightly, though SMCC still outpaces most in-state alternatives.

The complication here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see income dip to $62,336 by year four, a 3% decline that's unusual for healthcare fields. This could reflect the nature of certain allied health roles where shift differentials or overtime opportunities are more common early in careers, or it might signal limited advancement without additional credentials. At $16,625 in debt—below both state and national medians—the financial risk remains manageable. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means graduates owe roughly three months' salary, easily serviceable even if earnings plateau.

For students committed to staying in Maine and entering the workforce quickly, this program delivers strong immediate returns with minimal debt burden. The earnings dip warrants attention—prospective students should understand which specific diagnostic roles graduates typically enter and whether those positions offer long-term growth or require further education to advance.