Health Professions at University of Cincinnati-Clermont College

Peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,200 for an associate's in health professions, with estimated debt of $15,400—putting this program near the sweet spot where debt equals roughly five months of income. That 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, though health professions outcomes vary wildly depending on which specific career path students pursue within this broad category.

The challenge here is that "health professions" can mean anything from medical assisting to respiratory therapy to health information technology, each with dramatically different earning trajectories. Programs like this that feed into healthcare support roles often see graduates quickly advance beyond their starting salaries, but initial pay depends heavily on certification level and local demand. Ohio's health professions programs cluster around $34,000 in first-year earnings, so the national estimate here tracks closely with state norms.

For an anxious parent, the key question is what specific credential your student will earn. If this program leads to licensure or certification in a defined healthcare role—think radiology tech or surgical tech—the debt load is reasonable. If it's a more general health studies degree without clear professional credentials, that $35,200 estimate becomes harder to bank on. Pin down exactly what job titles graduates typically pursue before committing.