Health and Medical Administrative Services at Delgado Community College

Delgado's health administrative services certificate earns graduates $28,354 in the first year—roughly $6,000 more than the typical Louisiana program in this field and landing in the 80th percentile statewide. That's a meaningful advantage for a short-term credential, though the picture becomes more complicated when you follow graduates over time. Four years out, median earnings drop to $22,819, suggesting many graduates either move into lower-paying roles or reduce their hours after that initial employment bump.

The debt load here is notable: at $25,000, it's more than double what students typically borrow for similar certificates nationwide, though still manageable at 88% of first-year earnings. The combination of higher-than-average initial earnings and relatively controlled debt makes this financially viable in the short term, particularly compared to other Louisiana options. With 62% of students on Pell grants, Delgado serves a population where that first-year earning power matters.

The key concern is that earnings decline of 19% over four years. Keep in mind the sample size is small here—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—so individual circumstances could be skewing the numbers. For students seeking quick entry into healthcare administration with decent starting pay, this works, but plan for the possibility that earnings may not grow as expected. The certificate appears strongest as a stepping stone rather than a long-term endpoint.