Date of Award

12-11-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Jewell Winn

Abstract

Abstract This study explored how adult alumni perceive the value of earning an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology from a northern Middle Tennessee community college. It examined four questions: (1) How do alumni perceive the financial return on investment (ROI)? (2) What non-financial benefits or challenges do they report? (3) How did the program influence their career readiness and workforce entry? and (4) How did institutional support or barriers affect their educational experience? Using a convergent mixed-methods design, 18 alumni from the 2021–2024 cohorts (85.7% response rate) completed a survey with Likert and open-ended items. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and reliability testing; qualitative responses were thematically coded. Results showed strong employment outcomes (94% employed; 88.9% in-field) and high satisfaction with faculty support (M = 4.44), job readiness (M = 4.30), job security (M = 4.30), and personal growth (M = 4.44). However, alumni reported substantial opportunity costs, including loss of income, hidden expenses, reliance on loans, inconsistent advising (M = 3.44), and limited administrative flexibility. Implications indicate that while the degree yields economic mobility and personal transformation, institutional structures—not individual effort alone—shape student success. Strengthening financial guidance, advising consistency, and employer partnerships could reduce barriers and enhance outcomes for adult learners.

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