Health and Medical Administrative Services at Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University graduates start strong in healthcare administration, earning $53,726 in their first year—well above both the national median ($44,345) and most Colorado peers. Among the state's six programs, this ranks 60th percentile, trailing only Colorado State Global's $56,094. But here's the catch: by year four, earnings drop to $45,830, a 15% decline that reverses the typical career trajectory. Meanwhile, graduates carry $51,361 in debt—nearly double the national median for this program and ranking in the 7th percentile (meaning 93% of comparable programs nationwide burden students with less debt).

That debt load creates real pressure. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.96, graduates owe nearly a full year's starting salary—manageable if earnings were growing, but problematic given the downward trend. The premium tuition doesn't translate to premium outcomes: while first-year earnings justify some confidence, the trajectory suggests graduates may be taking entry-level healthcare admin roles that don't advance, or the local market doesn't reward this particular credential long-term.

For families weighing this investment, recognize you're paying private school prices (as evidenced by that debt load) for outcomes that start above average but don't sustain momentum. If your student can access Metro State Denver at in-state tuition, they'd graduate with less debt for comparable mid-career earnings. Colorado Christian works if your family values the faith-based environment and can minimize borrowing, but avoid taking on the full debt burden this program typically generates.