Health/Medical Preparatory Programs at Three Rivers College

Three Rivers College's medical preparatory program outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationwide, with graduates earning $30,736 their first year—$3,400 above the national median. The debt load of $11,000 sits well below the national typical burden of $14,068, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.36. In practical terms, graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a year or two while building toward careers in healthcare. Given that nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, this program appears to deliver upward mobility without the crushing debt often associated with healthcare education.

The Missouri context is worth noting: this program matches the state median for earnings, placing it squarely in the middle of the pack among the state's seven schools offering this degree. You're not getting a premium outcome compared to other Missouri options, but you're also avoiding the bottom tier. The combination of lower-than-average debt and above-average national performance suggests Three Rivers has found an efficient model—whether that's through partnerships with local healthcare employers, lower tuition, or both.

For families in southeast Missouri looking at healthcare careers, this represents a low-risk entry point. Your child graduates with manageable debt and earnings that immediately exceed most community college outcomes, while keeping doors open for further education or certification in nursing, radiology, or other clinical fields.