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
Earnings Distribution
How Arcadia University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadia University | $38,581 | $53,150 | +38% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | $55,762 | $65,377 | +17% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $55,762 | $65,377 | +17% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $55,762 | $65,377 | +17% |
| University of Scranton | $39,762 | $64,168 | +61% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (35 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,290 | $38,581 | $53,150 | $27,000 | 0.70 | |
| $36,842 | $85,329 | — | — | — | |
| $28,550 | $58,926 | $59,326 | — | — | |
| $14,646 | $55,762 | $65,377 | $22,662 | 0.41 | |
| $14,630 | $55,762 | $65,377 | $22,662 | 0.41 | |
| $21,524 | $55,762 | $65,377 | $22,662 | 0.41 | |
| 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 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.