Analysis
Capella graduates earn $62,091 in their first year—about 40% more than the national median for health administration programs and roughly $10,000 above Minnesota's state median. While this places Capella near the top nationally (95th percentile), it's worth noting that among Minnesota's 16 programs, it sits closer to the middle of the pack (60th percentile), essentially tied with the state's top performers like University of Minnesota-Crookston and Winona State.
The $39,692 debt load is moderate but higher than both national and state medians by roughly $5,000-$9,000. The resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 means graduates owe about eight months of salary—manageable territory that most can handle with standard repayment plans. The concerning element here is the flat earnings trajectory: salaries barely budge between year one and year four, suggesting limited room for advancement or raises in this field.
For parents considering this program, the calculation is straightforward: you're paying slightly above-average debt for well-above-average starting earnings, but don't count on significant salary growth. If your child plans to stay in Minnesota, comparable programs like Winona State offer similar outcomes, potentially at lower cost. Capella's online model may offer flexibility advantages, but financially, it performs on par with the state's best rather than exceeding them.
Where Capella University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Capella 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capella University | $62,091 | $62,638 | +1% |
| Concordia University-Saint Paul | $60,342 | $63,708 | +6% |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth | $46,263 | $63,676 | +38% |
| University of Minnesota-Crookston | $61,965 | $61,608 | -1% |
| The College of Saint Scholastica | $57,676 | $57,858 | +0% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,436 | $62,091 | $62,638 | $39,692 | 0.64 | |
| $13,120 | $61,965 | $61,608 | $34,393 | 0.56 | |
| $10,498 | $61,935 | — | $32,557 | 0.53 | |
| $25,000 | $60,342 | $63,708 | $35,338 | 0.59 | |
| $40,454 | $57,676 | $57,858 | $28,000 | 0.49 | |
| $12,498 | $52,398 | $53,622 | $51,904 | 0.99 | |
| 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 Capella University, approximately 37% 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 174 graduates with reported earnings and 251 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.