Health and Medical Administrative Services at Augusta University

Augusta University's health administration program shows why timing matters: graduates start at just $31,239—trailing 95% of similar programs nationally and landing below three-quarters of Georgia competitors. That first year puts graduates in a tough spot with $31,000 in debt to manage. However, by year four, earnings jump 59% to nearly $50,000, essentially reaching the national 75th percentile and matching top Georgia programs like Reinhardt University.

This trajectory creates real questions about those early years. Can graduates realistically handle loan payments on $31,000 while covering living expenses? The state comparison offers little comfort—even within Georgia, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile for earnings. That means local employers appear to value other programs' credentials more highly, at least initially. The debt level itself is typical, but it hits harder when paired with such weak starting salaries.

The strong earnings growth suggests this program may prepare students well for advancement, but parents should understand they're likely subsidizing their child through lean early-career years. If your family can provide that financial cushion—or if your child has minimal debt from other sources—the long-term outcome becomes more reasonable. Without that support, the first few years could prove financially precarious despite the eventual recovery.