Allied Health Professions at Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,523/yr (-50% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (124,000 openings/yr)
ROI 4.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #176 of 195 Allied Health Diagnostic programs

Program Analysis

The initial earnings data for this program might seem surprising, especially given the high earning potential in fields like Physician Assistant or Medical Dosimetry. This often reflects that PLNU's Allied Health program serves as an excellent foundational *pre-professional* track. Many graduates leverage this degree to gain admission to highly competitive graduate programs—like PA school or specialized diagnostic imaging certifications—which are necessary to enter those top-paying roles. Consequently, your immediate post-graduation earnings may reflect entry-level support roles or time spent in further education, rather than the salaries of fully credentialed professionals. San Diego's robust healthcare market offers many opportunities for this preparation. You'll find strong support for graduate school applications and potentially local internships through PLNU's network. Your key takeaway should be to clarify your career endpoint: if it requires advanced certification or a master's, factor that into your overall educational timeline and financial plan.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Allied Health Professions graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $736K $734K $666K
Earnings Multiple 4.2x 4.2x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 61% 60% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$174,200
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$200,672
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,244
10.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,791
130% growth from Year 1

About Point Loma Nazarene University

Point Loma Nazarene University has a 82% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 3,132 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Point Loma Nazarene University →

Top Career Paths

Medical dosimetrists $138,110/yr
Physician assistants $133,260/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 19 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Allied Health Professions at Other Schools

Other Majors at Point Loma Nazarene University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Allied Health Professions at Point Loma Nazarene University?
At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Allied Health Professions programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Point Loma Nazarene University a good choice for Allied Health Professions despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Point Loma Nazarene University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →