Location: Mobile, AL•In-State Tuition: $9,676•Out-of-State Tuition: $18,652•Admission Rate: 65%•Avg SAT: 1119
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$50,265
Est. from AL median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,000
Est. from national median (143 programs)

Analysis

The estimated $12,000 debt burden here is relatively modest for an allied health certificate, though it exceeds what similar programs in Alabama typically carry. Based on peer programs across the state, graduates might expect first-year earnings around $50,265—placing this squarely in the middle of Alabama's allied health certificate landscape. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 suggests a manageable financial picture, where loan payments would represent roughly 2-3 months of gross income.

However, the range of outcomes across Alabama's allied health programs is striking. Some schools are producing graduates earning $60,000 or more in their first year, while others hover in the mid-$30,000 range. Without actual data from University of South Alabama's specific program, it's difficult to know where their graduates fall on this spectrum. The difference between a $60,000 outcome and a $35,000 one fundamentally changes the value calculation, even at this debt level.

For parents evaluating this certificate, the crucial question is what specific allied health credential this program offers and how competitive its graduates are in the local Mobile healthcare market. The financial framework looks workable if outcomes align with state medians, but you'll need to dig deeper into job placement rates, the exact credential awarded, and whether this certificate provides direct entry to employment or serves as a stepping stone to further education.

Where University of South Alabama Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions certificate's programs nationally

University of South Alabama (estimated ±10%)Other allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (19 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of South AlabamaMobile$9,676$50,265*—$12,000*—
Cardiac and Vascular Institute of UltrasoundMobile—$60,226*$55,355$24,160*0.40
Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham$13,420$57,114*$57,795$7,195*0.13
Bevill State Community CollegeJasper$4,678$43,416*——*—
Gadsden State Community CollegeGadsden$4,032$34,083*——*—
National Median—$45,746*—$14,167*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
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 University of South Alabama, approximately 37% 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 median of 4 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.