Health and Medical Administrative Services at Columbia College

Columbia College's Health and Medical Administrative Services program launches graduates into solidly middle-class careers, with first-year earnings of $54,190 landing in the 85th percentile nationally—well above the $44,345 national median for this degree. The debt burden of $34,591 translates to a manageable 0.64 ratio to first-year earnings, meaning graduates can expect to earn roughly 1.5 times their total debt in their first year alone. While earnings climb modestly to $57,468 by year four, this 6% growth trails the healthcare sector's typical expansion, suggesting this career path finds its footing early rather than building dramatically over time.

Within Missouri, the picture is more competitive. Columbia College ranks around the 60th percentile statewide, trailing top performers like St. Louis College of Health Careers but still clearing the state median. For Missouri families, this matters: you're paying slightly above-average debt for above-average outcomes in a state with 21 program options. The program serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (44%), demonstrating it can work for students without family wealth to fall back on.

The straightforward math here works in graduates' favor. Starting earnings nearly $10,000 above the national norm, combined with debt you could realistically tackle in under four years, makes this a sound investment for students drawn to healthcare administration's operational side rather than clinical work.