Health and Medical Administrative Services at Central Michigan University

Central Michigan's healthcare administration program starts slower than you might hope, but the trajectory tells a more encouraging story. That $44,167 first-year salary places graduates right at the national median, yet within four years they're earning $59,162—a 34% jump that suggests real career momentum in Michigan's healthcare sector. Among the state's 20 programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, meaning CMU outperforms the typical in-state option despite a middle-of-the-road national standing.

The $27,000 debt load works in your favor here. It's about $3,000 below both state and national medians, and that 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably manage payments even during that slower first year. By year four, when earnings hit nearly $60,000, the financial picture looks decidedly comfortable. Compare this to Davenport's higher initial earnings but likely higher costs, and CMU's combination of controlled debt with strong mid-career growth becomes more attractive.

The key question is whether your student can weather that first year or two of modest earnings. If they're willing to start in entry-level healthcare administration roles and work their way up—which this data suggests is the typical path—CMU delivers solid value without burying them in debt. For an in-state student at an accessible institution, this represents a practical route into healthcare management.