Health and Medical Administrative Services at Baker College

Baker College's medical administrative services program lands exactly at Michigan's median for the field—$33,831 first-year earnings—but the concerning element here is the complete earnings stagnation. Graduates see virtually no income growth over their first four years, hovering around $33,500 annually. Compare that to Ferris State's program where graduates earn nearly $40,000, or even Delta College's $23,700 option for students who need a lower debt load. At just over $22,500 in debt, Baker's numbers aren't unreasonable—that's a manageable 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio. But you're essentially paying for what appears to be a career with a fairly low ceiling.

The program does outperform the national median by about $2,000, so it's competitive on that front. However, healthcare administration typically offers room for advancement and salary growth as you gain experience. The flat earnings trajectory suggests graduates may be stuck in entry-level positions longer than expected, or that the local job market has limited opportunities for progression.

For families weighing this option: the debt is reasonable and the immediate employment outcomes are solid, but consider whether your child has the drive to pursue additional credentials or switch employers to break through that earnings plateau. If they're content with stable, mid-$30K work and the debt doesn't strain your family finances, this program delivers predictable results. But higher performers should seriously look at Ferris State instead.