Health and Medical Administrative Services at Chicago State University

Based on comparable programs in Illinois, a healthcare administration bachelor's from Chicago State appears positioned right at the state median, with estimated first-year earnings around $46,200. That's slightly above the national typical outcome of $44,345, though it's worth noting the wide spread among Illinois programs—some private universities like University of St. Francis report graduates earning nearly twice as much in their first year. The estimated $25,000 debt load is notably lower than both state and national medians, which matters for a program serving a student body where 55% receive Pell grants.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 suggests manageable repayment—roughly half a year's salary in debt. However, the real question is trajectory. Healthcare administration can lead to well-compensated management roles, but those typically require years of clinical or operational experience first. Similar programs suggest you're looking at coordinator or assistant-level positions initially, where Chicago's competitive healthcare market could work either for or against your child depending on the networks they build.

The estimation here cuts both ways: it means we can't confirm Chicago State's specific outcomes, but it also means we're working with what peer programs typically produce. Given the below-average debt and access to Chicago's robust healthcare sector, this could work as a foundation credential—just understand that the path to higher earnings will likely require additional experience, possibly certifications, and potentially graduate education down the line.