Health and Medical Administrative Services at Cuyahoga Community College District

Cuyahoga Community College's health administration program outperforms most competitors, though modest sample size suggests caution. First-year earnings of $41,914 beat 95% of similar programs nationally and 80% within Ohio—a significant margin over the state median of $31,614. With just $14,000 in typical debt, graduates face manageable payments that represent only four months of their starting salary. That's the kind of quick payback that makes community college shine.

The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn slightly less four years out ($40,280) than at the one-year mark. This isn't catastrophic—the income still comfortably exceeds state and national benchmarks—but it suggests limited advancement within the field. Healthcare administration roles often require bachelor's degrees for meaningful promotion, so this associate's degree may effectively be a career stepping stone rather than a destination credential.

The small graduate cohort (under 30) makes these figures less reliable than data from larger programs. Still, even accounting for variability, the combination of strong starting earnings and low debt creates a favorable risk-reward profile. For students planning to work immediately after graduation or use this credential as a foundation for further education, it's a solid starting point with minimal financial downside.