Health Sciences at West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Paducah, KY · Public · Associate Degree · Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General

with a smaller student body of 2,810 in Paducah, KY.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,159/yr fall 17% below the $36,234 national median for Health Sciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 35.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 43% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Health Sciences graduates.

At $7,194 in median debt against $30,159 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #30 out of 48 programs, West Kentucky Community and Technical College's financial outcomes for Health Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $30,159 to $33,019 over five years (9% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Health Sciences connects to 3 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $30,159/yr (-17% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (57% shielded)
Job Market Medium (15,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$335K
2.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
35.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
2 of 2
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,312
Out-of-state: $12,384
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,194
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,019
9% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Health Sciences graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health education specialists $63,000 +4.5% 47%
Community health workers $51,030 +11.3% 68%
Health education specialists
$63,000
+4.5% growth 47% AI-proof
Community health workers
$51,030
+11.3% growth 68% AI-proof

Health Sciences Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Health Sciences careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Health Sciences career guide →

Compare & Explore

Health Sciences Overview

Health Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Health Sciences at West Kentucky Community and Technical College?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Health Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
What's the AI risk for Health Sciences graduates from West Kentucky Community and Technical College?
Our scenarios model 43% of Health Sciences tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. West Kentucky Community and Technical College's 44/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
What's the typical debt for Health Sciences graduates from West Kentucky Community and Technical College?
At $7,194 in median debt, Health Sciences graduates from West Kentucky Community and Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Is West Kentucky Community and Technical College a good choice for Health Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If West Kentucky Community and Technical College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Health Sciences?
If West Kentucky Community and Technical College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 3 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Health Sciences. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →