Health and Medical Administrative Services at Centura College-Chesapeake

At $26,072 first-year earnings, Centura College-Chesapeake sits right at Virginia's median for medical administrative programs, though that places it below the national median by $1,700. The $14,700 in debt is manageable—just seven months of first-year earnings—but here's the challenge: graduates across Virginia in this program earn exactly what Centura-Chesapeake's students make, and the state's top programs like Virginia Western deliver $2,700 more annually. That gap compounds over a career and means less financial cushion for a population where 84% rely on Pell grants.

The modest 4% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests limited income growth potential, which is common in administrative roles but makes the initial salary ceiling more important. While the debt burden isn't severe, families should recognize this positions graduates for steady but limited earning potential, starting around $2,100 monthly before taxes.

For students seeking affordable entry into healthcare administration in Virginia, this program delivers on accessibility without creating crushing debt. However, families should compare closely with Virginia Western Community College or Bryant & Stratton if their student can access those options—the higher starting salaries there provide better financial footing for the same career path.