Health and Medical Administrative Services at Alaska Career College

Alaska Career College delivers exceptional value for its Medical Administrative Services certificate: graduates start at $36,311—30% above the national median and higher than any competing program in Alaska. Even more impressive is the $6,269 debt load, roughly half the national average for this credential. That 0.17 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates typically owe less than two months' salary, making this one of the most affordable pathways into healthcare administration you'll find.

The catch is modest: earnings slip to $34,885 by year four, suggesting this certificate positions students well for entry-level roles but may require additional credentials for advancement. Still, that starting salary already exceeds what many certificate programs deliver four years out. The 60th percentile ranking among Alaska programs is somewhat misleading—it simply reflects that Alaska's healthcare sector pays well across the board, and this program captures those wages while keeping costs remarkably low.

For families looking at healthcare careers without four-year degree debt, this represents an unusually clean value proposition. The high Pell grant enrollment (58%) suggests the school successfully serves working-class students, and the debt numbers confirm graduates aren't being loaded with excessive loans. If your child needs affordable entry into Alaska's healthcare system, this program does exactly what a certificate should: minimal debt, immediate earnings, and a foothold in a stable industry.