Health and Medical Administrative Services at Centura College-Norfolk

Centura College-Norfolk's health administration program costs less to attend than most alternatives but delivers earnings that trail the national median by about $1,700 annually. The $14,700 debt load represents better-than-average borrowing for this credential—28th percentile nationally means fewer student loans than roughly three-quarters of similar programs. With 74% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves a population where minimizing debt matters.

The Virginia context reveals an interesting dynamic: while this program lands at the 60th percentile statewide, that's partly because Virginia's earnings for this credential are remarkably compressed. The top program in the state (Virginia Western Community College at $28,754) only pays about $2,700 more annually. That narrow range suggests limited upside regardless of school choice within Virginia. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means graduates face roughly seven months of gross pay in loans—manageable, but requiring careful budgeting on a $26,000 salary.

For families prioritizing affordability over maximum earnings, this delivers a reasonably safe entry point into healthcare administration. The modest earnings growth over four years suggests this credential opens doors to steady rather than advancing positions. If your child can access a community college option like Virginia Western for similar or lower cost, that extra $2,600 annually adds up over a career. But if Centura's location or scheduling works better, the debt picture won't trap them.