Health and Medical Administrative Services at Arcadia University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Arcadia's health administration program underperforms most Pennsylvania alternatives, with first-year earnings of $38,581 falling $15,000 short of the state median and nearly $6,000 below the national benchmark. Among Pennsylvania's 35 programs in this field, Arcadia ranks in just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of comparable in-state options deliver stronger returns. The contrast with top Pennsylvania programs is stark: Elizabethtown College graduates earn more than twice as much their first year out.
The $27,000 debt load is reasonable in absolute terms, but paired with below-average starting earnings, it creates a first-year debt burden that exceeds what most healthcare administration programs demand of their graduates. The 38% earnings growth to year four brings graduates closer to competitive levels at $53,150, though this still barely matches what many peers earn from day one. The trajectory suggests the program may prepare students adequately for mid-career roles, but the sluggish start matters for loan repayment timelines.
Important caveat: these figures come from a small sample of recent graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more widely than at larger programs. For Pennsylvania families, the data suggests exploring other in-state options first—schools like Pittsburgh's campuses or Immaculata offer stronger earnings potential at comparable debt levels.
Where Arcadia University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Arcadia University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Arcadia University graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 19th percentile of all health and medical administrative services bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (35 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadia University | $38,581 | $53,150 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
| Elizabethtown College | $85,329 | — | — | — |
| Immaculata University | $58,926 | $59,326 | — | — |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $55,762 | $65,377 | $22,662 | 0.41 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | $55,762 | $65,377 | $22,662 | 0.41 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $55,762 | $65,377 | $22,662 | 0.41 |
| National Median | $44,345 | — | $30,998 | 0.70 |
Other Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown | $36,842 | $85,329 | — |
| Immaculata University Immaculata | $28,550 | $58,926 | — |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Johnstown | $14,646 | $55,762 | $22,662 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg Greensburg | $14,630 | $55,762 | $22,662 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh | $21,524 | $55,762 | $22,662 |
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 Arcadia University, approximately 28% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.