Median Earnings (1yr)
$30,159
33rd percentile (60th in KY)
Median Debt
$8,500
35% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28
Manageable
Sample Size
61
Adequate data

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

West Kentucky Community and Technical CollegeOther health services/allied health/health sciences programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

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

West Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 33th percentile of all health services/allied health/health sciences associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
West Kentucky Community and Technical College$30,159$29,462$8,5000.28
Jefferson Community and Technical College$43,563—$17,9850.41
Ashland Community and Technical College$22,631—$11,0620.49
National Median$32,798—$12,9920.40

Other Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Programs in Kentucky

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville
$4,706$43,563$17,985
Ashland Community and Technical College
Ashland
$4,656$22,631$11,062

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.