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Allied Health Diagnostic Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Healthcare workers face a national shortage reaching 2.4 million positions by 2028, making Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions particularly valuable. Skyline College in San Bruno offers the most affordable path with students actually earning $1,180 after aid, while CUNY City College graduates command $115,339 median salaries after completion. The cost spread across these 20 programs ranges from negative costs to $6,544 annually, all staying well under typical four-year expenses. Public institutions dominate this field with 14 of the 15 most affordable options, though graduation rates vary dramatically from 13.7% at Ohio University-Lancaster to 69.2% at Cal State Fullerton. California and New York lead in both affordability and earning potential, reflecting strong regional healthcare systems and proximity to major medical centers. Students can access quality training in diagnostic imaging, respiratory therapy, and medical technology without the debt burden that typically accompanies healthcare education.
50
Programs
$-1,180 – $9,962
Net Price Range
$43,253
Avg. Program Earnings
43.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-1,180 $1,332 41.4%
2 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
5 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
6 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
7 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
8 $5,244 $3,370 57.1% 84.5%
9 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
10 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
11 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
12 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
13 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
14 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
15 $6,326 54.9%
16 $6,329 $4,110 17.9%
17 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
18 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
19 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
20 $6,544 $8,198 42.6%
21 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
22 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
23 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
24 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
25 $7,455 $5,354 50.6% 54.0%
26 $7,523 $3,855 51.5%
27 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
28 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
29 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
30 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
31 $8,011 $6,442 59.1% 77.8%
32 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
33 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
34 $8,249 $3,401 38.5%
35 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
36 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
37 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
38 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
39 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
40 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
41 $8,932 $5,580 39.4% 47.0%
42 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
43 $9,104 $8,520 58.1%
44 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
45 $9,144 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
46 $9,219 $6,992 15.1%
47 $9,287 $8,032 32.7% 70.1%
48 $9,832 $3,050 41.2%
49 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
50 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $116,519 salary difference between top-earning and typical graduates?

CUNY City College graduates earn $115,339 compared to the $38,289 baseline, largely due to program specialization and location. New York's medical facilities pay premium wages for diagnostic technologists and intervention specialists. The college's 54.7% graduation rate suggests selective completion, with graduates entering high-demand subspecialties. Geographic factors account for much of this premium, as metropolitan healthcare systems compete for skilled technicians.

How do Ohio University regional campuses compare despite identical $27,000 debt levels?

All four Ohio University campuses carry $27,000 median debt but show vastly different outcomes. Eastern Campus achieves 20% graduation rates while Lancaster manages only 13.7%, despite similar rural settings. Zanesville falls between at 17.7%, suggesting local job markets influence completion. The consistent debt across campuses indicates standardized pricing, but varying regional healthcare opportunities affect student persistence and career prospects.

Is California State University-Fullerton worth the $5,646 annual cost?

Cal State Fullerton delivers the highest graduation rate at 69.2% among affordable options, justifying its $5,646 net cost. The 66.72% acceptance rate maintains selectivity while ensuring access for qualified students. California's healthcare sector provides abundant clinical sites and employment opportunities for graduates. The combination of strong outcomes and reasonable costs makes this program particularly competitive for West Coast students.

Does geographic location impact Allied Health program affordability and outcomes?

California and New York dominate both low-cost and high-earning programs, with 6 of the top 15 schools. CUNY institutions provide multiple affordable entry points with net costs between $3,486 and $5,115. Puerto Rico offers unique value through the Conservatory of Music's 57.1% graduation rate at $5,244 annual cost. Regional healthcare demand drives both program availability and post-graduation earning potential significantly.

What makes some programs charge negative net costs while others exceed $6,000?

Skyline College's negative $1,180 net cost results from generous California aid programs exceeding tuition charges. State funding formulas and local tax support create these scenarios at community colleges serving working populations. Programs exceeding $6,000 typically offer specialized tracks or serve areas with limited state subsidies. The $7,724 range between lowest and highest costs reflects varying state priorities and institutional missions rather than program quality differences.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.