Analysis
Butler's estimated $42,000 debt load for this bachelor's degree nearly matches the anticipated first-year salary, creating a financial picture that demands careful scrutiny. While comparable healthcare administration programs in Indiana suggest starting earnings around $43,445—essentially tracking the state median—this debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.97 is notably higher than what most Indiana programs produce. The state median debt for this field sits at $31,123, meaning Butler graduates may carry roughly $10,000 more in loans than peers at other Indiana schools.
The earnings trajectory matters here. Healthcare administration typically offers steady advancement potential as graduates move into management roles, but that nearly dollar-for-dollar debt burden at the start creates real monthly payment pressure. Indiana Wesleyan's programs show that comparable private institutions in the state are placing graduates at higher starting salaries ($50,341), which would make similar debt loads more manageable. At Butler's estimated figures, a standard 10-year repayment would likely consume 12-13% of gross monthly income initially.
For families evaluating Butler specifically, the selective admissions (86% acceptance, 1282 SAT average) and low Pell percentage (14%) suggest this serves a relatively affluent student body who may have resources beyond loans. If your family is relying heavily on borrowing, compare Butler's financial aid package directly against Indiana's public options and programs like Indiana Wesleyan that are producing stronger early outcomes in this field.
Where Butler University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,980 | $43,445* | — | $41,995* | — | |
| $31,168 | $50,341* | — | $41,995* | 0.83 | |
| $8,216 | $50,341* | — | $41,995* | 0.83 | |
| $10,110 | $47,603* | $44,598 | $47,313* | 0.99 | |
| $10,136 | $39,286* | $40,118 | $23,250* | 0.59 | |
| $10,449 | $39,033* | $50,627 | $24,631* | 0.63 | |
| 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 Butler University, approximately 14% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.