Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions at Washtenaw Community College

Washtenaw Community College's allied health program graduates start strong at $54,371—beating 60% of similar Michigan programs—but earnings slip to $51,898 by year four. This decline matters less than it might seem, though, because the debt load is exceptionally manageable. At $25,418, graduates carry just 47 cents of debt for every dollar of first-year earnings, and this ranks in the 19th percentile nationally for debt burden (meaning very few programs have such low debt). For context, while Monroe County CC grads earn $9,000 more initially, Washtenaw's combination of solid earnings and minimal debt creates a realistic path to financial stability.

The earnings dip deserves consideration—it could reflect career shifts, part-time work, or credentialing changes within allied health fields. However, starting at the state median and carrying debt that's easily serviceable on these salaries puts graduates in a practical position. The program performs right at the national median for earnings while keeping debt well below typical levels.

For an anxious parent: This program won't make your child rich, but it won't bury them in debt either. They'll start earning immediately after a two-year degree, and the debt is manageable enough to pay down even if their earnings plateau. If your student is committed to allied health work and values staying in the Ann Arbor area, this represents a low-risk entry point to the field.