Analysis
When debt projections sit at $15,440 and first-year earnings from comparable health professions programs hover around $35,200, the math works in your favor. That 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio falls well below the concerning 1.0 threshold, suggesting graduates from similar associate programs can manage their loans without suffocating their early career budgets. Community college health programs typically offer this kind of accessible entry point into healthcare careers, though the specific outcomes will depend heavily on which health profession your child pursues within this umbrella program.
The benchmark figures here—drawn from peer programs nationally since Terra State's graduate cohort was too small to report—align closely with Ohio's state median of $34,123 for health professions associates degrees. That consistency across the state suggests reasonable stability in this field. However, "health professions" is a broad category that includes everything from medical assistants to respiratory therapists, and those career paths carry vastly different earning trajectories. The moderate Pell grant enrollment (25%) indicates this program serves a mixed student population, though less economically disadvantaged than many community colleges.
Focus on which specific health credential this associate degree leads to, since that will determine whether these projected earnings represent a career ceiling or a stepping stone. For fields like nursing where an associate degree opens doors to immediate employment and bachelor's degree advancement, this looks like solid value. For lower-paying specialties, verify the career outlook carefully before committing.
Where Terra State Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Health Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,660 | $35,232* | — | $15,440* | — | |
| $13,746 | $34,123* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $35,232* | — | $17,930* | 0.51 |
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 Terra State Community College, approximately 25% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 9 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.