Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,159
33rd percentile
60th percentile in Kentucky
Median Debt
$8,500
35% below national median

Analysis

The numbers here tell a story of careful debt management paired with modest earning potential. West Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates leave with just $8,500 in debt—substantially below both the national median of $13,000 and Kentucky's $11,000 median—which translates to a very manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28. That low debt burden matters more than the raw salary figures might suggest at first glance.

Earnings are modest but hold steady around $30,000, which actually positions this program at the 60th percentile among Kentucky's health services programs. While Jefferson Community and Technical College graduates earn significantly more ($43,500), West Kentucky outperforms several competitors while maintaining that crucial debt advantage. The slight earnings dip from year one to year four is minimal enough to be essentially flat rather than concerning.

For families weighing Kentucky community college options, this represents a low-risk path into healthcare support roles. The combination of below-average debt and middle-of-the-pack Kentucky earnings means graduates aren't saddled with payments that could derail their financial stability. If your child is considering allied health work in the Paducah region and wants to minimize student loans while building healthcare credentials, this program delivers exactly that—just recognize that career advancement may require additional certifications or education down the line.

Where West Kentucky Community and Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How West Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
West Kentucky Community and Technical College$30,159$29,462-2%
Salt Lake Community College$40,593$60,041+48%
Pacific Union College$32,726$60,013+83%
University of Mount Olive$69,449$58,397-16%
Middlesex College$29,265$56,735+94%

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences associates's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (12 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
West Kentucky Community and Technical CollegePaducah$4,656$30,159$29,462$8,5000.28
Jefferson Community and Technical CollegeLouisville$4,706$43,563—$17,9850.41
Ashland Community and Technical CollegeAshland$4,656$22,631—$11,0620.49
National Median—$32,798—$12,9920.40

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health services/allied health/health sciences graduates

Health Education Specialists

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

$63,000/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Community Health Workers

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

$51,030/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 West Kentucky Community and Technical College, approximately 32% 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.