Analysis
A nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio should catch your attention here. Healthcare administration programs in Michigan typically produce first-year earnings around $41,000, but taking on nearly $40,000 in debt for that outcome creates immediate financial pressure. When peer programs at Michigan public universities like Ferris State and Central Michigan report graduates earning $44,000+ with substantially lower state median debt of $30,000, the math becomes harder to justify for Alma's private school premium.
The gap between Alma's estimated debt load and what students at comparable Michigan programs carry matters practically—that's nearly $10,000 more to repay on similar starting salaries. Programs like Davenport University demonstrate that healthcare administration graduates can launch into the low-$50,000s, but even hitting the national 75th percentile of $50,580 wouldn't dramatically change the debt burden picture here. A 0.95 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child would owe almost their entire first year's salary, which typically translates to challenging monthly payments even on income-driven plans.
Given these estimated figures from peer programs, have frank conversations with Alma's financial aid office about actual scholarship possibilities. Unless significant merit aid brings that debt projection closer to the $30,000 state benchmark, Michigan's public universities appear to offer similar healthcare administration outcomes with more manageable financial starts to careers.
Where Alma College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,430 | $41,428* | — | $39,444* | — | |
| $23,324 | $52,603* | $47,057 | $50,407* | 0.96 | |
| $13,630 | $44,371* | $51,123 | $30,995* | 0.70 | |
| $14,190 | $44,167* | $59,162 | $27,000* | 0.61 | |
| $15,510 | $43,507* | $47,243 | $31,000* | 0.71 | |
| $14,014 | $41,428* | $44,638 | $33,125* | 0.80 | |
| National Median | — | $44,345* | — | $30,998* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates
Information Security Analysts
Medical and Health Services Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Computer Programmers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Alma College, approximately 21% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.