Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at University of Southern Maine

University of Southern Maine's allied health program shows promising earnings growth but starts from a concerning baseline. While graduates see a healthy 26% salary increase by year four, reaching $47,324, that first-year median of $37,585 sits in just the 17th percentile nationally—nearly $23,000 below what similar programs typically deliver. The state context offers little comfort: Maine's allied health market appears notably weaker than the national average, with even the median in-state earnings matching USM's bottom-tier performance.

The debt picture provides some relief. At $22,654, borrowers face manageable payments relative to starting salaries, and Maine students pay less than the national median for allied health programs. However, this reasonable debt level can't overcome the fundamental earnings gap. Saint Joseph's graduates in the same field earn nearly twice as much ($74,266), suggesting the issue isn't Maine's healthcare market alone—it may reflect USM's program focus or clinical placement network.

For families considering this program, the question is whether the upward trajectory justifies the weak start. That 26% growth rate is encouraging, but even after four years, graduates earn $13,000 below the national first-year median. Unless there's a specific career path within allied health that this program serves well, families should investigate what drives the earnings disparity before committing.