Health and Medical Administrative Services at Arapahoe Community College

Arapahoe Community College's health administration program significantly outperforms the typical associate's degree in this field, with graduates earning $43,631 their first year—nearly $12,000 above the national median. That's a meaningful difference for someone entering healthcare administration, where many programs struggle to get graduates past $32,000. The debt load of $25,715 is reasonable for an associate's degree, translating to roughly six months of starting salary—a manageable burden that most graduates can handle while building their careers.

Within Colorado, the picture gets more nuanced. At the 60th percentile statewide, this program performs solidly but not exceptionally. Front Range Community College edges slightly higher in earnings with similar debt levels. However, Arapahoe still delivers considerably stronger outcomes than several four-year competitors in the state, including Colorado Technical University, while charging community college tuition rates. The 8% earnings growth over four years is modest but steady, suggesting graduates find stable positions rather than dramatic career acceleration.

For parents weighing options, this represents a low-risk entry into healthcare administration with clear employment prospects. You're looking at debt that won't crush your child's budget and earnings that comfortably exceed both national and state averages. If your student is comparing community colleges in Colorado, peek at Front Range as well, but Arapahoe offers a proven pathway into a field with reliable demand.