Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Southern University at Shreveport

The earnings trajectory here raises immediate red flags that demand explanation. Graduates earn $47,360 in their first year—already below both the Louisiana median ($52,281) and national average—but then see income plummet 44% to just $26,536 by year four. This dramatic reversal is highly unusual for allied health programs, which typically show stable or growing earnings as professionals gain experience and certifications.

With only a small sample size, this pattern could reflect graduates leaving the healthcare field entirely, shifting to part-time work, or pursuing further education. It's worth noting that top Louisiana programs like Bossier Parish Community College ($69,595) and South Louisiana Community College ($66,452) show strong, sustained earnings, suggesting the issue is program-specific rather than market-wide. The debt level of $22,875 is reasonable on its own, but becomes problematic when paired with fourth-year earnings that leave graduates earning less than many retail positions.

For parents considering this program, the small sample size means these numbers might not represent typical outcomes—but that uncertainty itself is concerning. Before enrolling, insist on detailed employment data: Where do graduates actually work? What credentials do they earn? Why might earnings decline so sharply? Without satisfactory answers to these questions, Louisiana families have multiple alternatives with far stronger track records.