Health and Medical Administrative Services at American National University-Pikeville

Healthcare administration programs in Kentucky cluster tightly around $44,500 in first-year earnings, but the debt picture matters more here. Similar private institutions nationally carry a median debt of $48,425—nearly double Kentucky's state median of $25,750 for this field. That $1.09 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe more than their entire first year's salary, creating financial pressure right when they're starting out.

The concern deepens when you look at Kentucky's healthcare administration market. Midway University graduates earn $30,774 according to reported data, showing that even within the state, outcomes vary dramatically. Meanwhile, programs at UK and WKU hit similar earnings targets but—based on state medians—likely with significantly less debt burden. For a school serving 80% Pell-eligible students, that debt load matters even more.

Here's what this means practically: if your child borrows near the estimated $48,425, they'll face monthly payments around $540 on a standard plan—a substantial chunk of a $44,500 salary. Before committing, get the actual debt figures from the financial aid office and compare what similar students have borrowed. If the school's real numbers approach these estimates, you're looking at a degree that could work career-wise but arrives with financial strain that comparable Kentucky programs might avoid.