Health Professions at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

This program's estimated $15,440 debt load sits notably below the national median of $17,930 for health professions associate degrees—a meaningful difference when you're borrowing to fund a two-year credential. First-year earnings around $35,000, based on peer programs nationally, translate to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, suggesting graduates could reasonably handle loan payments while establishing themselves in the workforce. That said, these figures come from comparable programs elsewhere since UC's specific outcomes aren't publicly reported due to small graduate cohorts.

The bigger challenge here is modest earning potential relative to the debt burden. While health professions associate degrees can open doors to practical careers, first-year earnings in the mid-$30,000s don't provide much cushion for living expenses in a city like Cincinnati, even with below-average borrowing. Similar programs across Ohio cluster around $34,000 in first-year earnings, so there's little evidence that location within the state changes the financial picture dramatically.

For parents, the key question is which specific health profession this associate degree targets. Allied health fields vary enormously in earning potential—respiratory therapy and dental hygiene command different salaries than medical assisting or health information technology. Before committing, nail down exactly which credential this program leads to and what Ohio employers actually pay for that role in year one versus year five.