Average Debt for Respiratory Therapy Associate Degree Graduates
Students completing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) in Respiratory Therapy often face moderate student loan debt by graduation. According to recent data, the median student loan debt for associate-degree graduates in “Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services”—a category that includes respiratory therapy programs—is approximately $22,000 per borrower (educationdata.org).
This figure represents federal student loan debt at the point of graduation and provides a useful benchmark: around $20K–$23K is typical for respiratory therapy associate graduates nationwide. That said, outcomes vary: some students graduate debt-free (especially from public community colleges or through employer-sponsored programs), while others borrow significantly more, particularly at for-profit or private institutions.
Comparison to National Averages for All Associate Degrees
Respiratory therapy students tend to carry above-average debt compared to the broader pool of associate degree earners in the U.S. For context:
Graduate Group (Associate’s)Borrowers (Share)Typical Debt at Graduation
Respiratory Therapy AAS Graduates >50% (estimated) ≈ $22,000 median debt (educationdata.org)
All Associate Degree Graduates 35.8% borrowed $17,252 avg debt (median ≈$14K) (equityinhighered.org)
Public Community College Grads ~40% borrowed $10,950 avg debt (govinfo.gov)
Private For-Profit (2-yr) Grads ~98% borrowed $19,700 avg debt (govinfo.gov)
This data shows that respiratory therapy associate graduates generally have more debt than the typical community college graduate, likely due to program-specific costs such as clinical training, certification fees, and medical equipment. Nonetheless, their debt levels remain in the low-to-mid $20K range, comparable to other healthcare-focused associate programs.
Debt Differences by Institution Type
As with many academic paths, where you study matters significantly when it comes to student debt.
- Public Community Colleges: Offer lower tuition and more grant availability. Students often graduate with little to no debt.
- Example: At Tulsa Community College (OK), in-state tuition for a respiratory therapy AAS program is under $9,000 total (excluding fees).
- Private For-Profit Colleges: Tend to charge significantly more, often pushing student debt upward.
- Example: At Concorde Career College (various locations), the AAS in Respiratory Therapy may cost over $35,000–$40,000, typically requiring extensive borrowing.
National data aligns with this trend: nearly all graduates from for-profit institutions (98%) borrow, compared to only 40% at public colleges. Respiratory therapy programs at private institutions are more likely to lead to high five-figure debt levels.
Recent Trends in Respiratory Therapy Student Debt
Encouragingly, national trends indicate a decline in borrowing rates among associate degree students overall. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics:
- In 2015–16, 48.0% of associate graduates had student loans.
- By 2019–20, that figure dropped to 35.8% (equityinhighered.org).
This drop may reflect increased grant aid, better awareness of borrowing strategies, and a shift toward public community colleges for career-focused training like respiratory therapy. Additionally, employer sponsorships and workforce development grants in healthcare fields have grown, allowing more students to avoid or minimize loans.
However, because respiratory therapy programs often require specialized clinical training and equipment, they remain more expensive than many other associate degree tracks, which keeps debt levels slightly elevated.
Factors Affecting Respiratory Therapy Student Debt
Several core factors influence how much debt you’ll accrue in a respiratory therapy associate program:
1. Institution Type
- Community colleges = lower tuition + more financial aid.
- For-profit institutions = higher tuition + greater reliance on loans.
2. Program Length and Intensity
- Respiratory therapy AAS programs typically run 5–6 semesters, longer than many other two-year degrees.
- They include clinical rotations, which can limit students’ ability to work part-time, increasing reliance on loans.
3. State Residency
- In-state students pay much less at public colleges compared to out-of-state or private college attendees.
4. Availability of Financial Aid
- Pell Grants, state-based healthcare grants, and scholarships for healthcare majors help reduce loan reliance.
- Example: The American Respiratory Care Foundation offers scholarships of $1,000–$2,500 for eligible RT students.
Outlook and Repayment Considerations
While respiratory therapy students often graduate with ~$20K–$23K in debt, the career outlook is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for respiratory therapists is $70,540 (as of 2023), and employment is projected to grow 13% through 2032, much faster than average.
Because of this high earnings potential, respiratory therapy graduates often maintain a manageable debt-to-income ratio, especially when compared to other associate-level fields.
Graduates may also qualify for:
- Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) if employed in nonprofit or government hospitals
- State-based healthcare loan repayment programs
Conclusion
Respiratory therapy is a rewarding, high-demand field with solid earning potential—but it comes with a student debt price tag that students should plan for. With median loan debt around $22,000, the average RT graduate finishes their education with slightly higher debt than most associate degree holders, especially if attending a private college.
However, smart choices—such as enrolling at a public college, applying for healthcare scholarships, and using federal repayment options—can make this debt burden far more manageable. If you’re planning your path into respiratory care, it’s well worth comparing program costs carefully and borrowing strategically.