Est. Earnings (1yr)
$59,563
Est. from WI median (6 programs)
Median Debt
$27,000
At national median

Analysis

Wisconsin's allied health diagnostic programs produce similar outcomes across schools, with first-year graduates across the state typically earning around $60,000. Based on comparable programs statewide, UW-Madison graduates appear to fall right in the middle of this range—matching the state median but trailing smaller schools like Concordia ($67,400) and Marian ($62,000). The $27,000 debt load is exactly the national median for these programs, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45.

The puzzling element here is the four-year earnings figure of $48,854, which actually drops below the first-year estimate. This could reflect multiple factors—perhaps graduates enter different subspecialties with varied pay scales, or some pursue additional certifications that temporarily reduce earnings. Without seeing the full career trajectory for UW-Madison's specific graduates, it's difficult to assess whether early earnings hold steady or if this represents a genuine dip.

For families weighing this investment at a flagship university, the debt burden is manageable relative to likely starting salaries, but the lack of a clear earnings premium over regional competitors deserves consideration. If your student is choosing UW-Madison primarily for the allied health program itself rather than the broader campus experience, comparable outcomes at schools like UW-La Crosse or Oshkosh might come with lower total costs of attendance.

Where University of Wisconsin-Madison Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Wisconsin-Madison$48,854
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse$60,232$68,666+14%
Bellin College$57,528$60,378+5%
Marian University$62,018$56,773-8%
Concordia University-Wisconsin$67,407$52,449-22%

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$59,563*$48,854$27,000
Concordia University-WisconsinMequon$34,250$67,407*$52,449$26,4970.39
Marian UniversityFond Du Lac$33,000$62,018*$56,773$26,5000.43
University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse$9,651$60,232*$68,666$26,7500.44
University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh$8,212$58,894*$50,018$25,5000.43
Bellin CollegeGreen Bay$28,211$57,528*$60,378$22,5880.39
National Median$60,447*$27,0000.45
* 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 Wisconsin-Madison, approximately 15% 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 6 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.