Analysis
Duquesne's healthcare administration bachelor's appears positioned right at the state's median, with peer programs in Pennsylvania suggesting first-year earnings around $53,500. By year four, graduates at this school reach $65,395—a meaningful jump that outpaces the national benchmark by nearly $21,000. That progression matters in a field where early career advancement often depends on gaining operational experience and professional credentials.
The estimated $29,500 in debt translates to a manageable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio, below the concerning 1.0 threshold. Healthcare administration roles in Pittsburgh's robust hospital network—UPMC, Allegheny Health—typically reward local connections and clinical exposure, which Duquesne's urban campus facilitates. However, it's worth noting that several PA programs produce significantly higher outcomes, with Elizabethtown grads earning $85,000+ in year one, suggesting that program structure and network strength vary considerably even within the same state.
The four-year earnings data is the most concrete number here, and it compares favorably to what similar programs deliver. For a family weighing this investment, the key question is whether Duquesne's healthcare network access justifies near-median debt when the first-year placement appears standard for the state. If your student has direct admission to higher-performing alternatives or could minimize debt elsewhere, those options deserve serious consideration.
Where Duquesne University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duquesne University | — | $65,395 | — |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $55,762 | $65,377 | +17% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $55,762 | $65,377 | +17% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | $55,762 | $65,377 | +17% |
| University of Scranton | $39,762 | $64,168 | +61% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (35 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,146 | $53,497* | $65,395 | $29,531* | — | |
| $36,842 | $85,329* | — | —* | — | |
| $28,550 | $58,926* | $59,326 | —* | — | |
| $14,630 | $55,762* | $65,377 | $22,662* | 0.41 | |
| $14,646 | $55,762* | $65,377 | $22,662* | 0.41 | |
| $21,524 | $55,762* | $65,377 | $22,662* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $44,345* | — | $30,998* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates
Information Security Analysts
Medical and Health Services Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Computer Programmers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Duquesne University, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.