Health and Medical Administrative Services at East Carolina University

East Carolina's healthcare administration program offers an interesting regional value play that defies its national ranking. While graduates earn below the national median initially ($38,900 versus $44,345), they outperform the North Carolina state median of $38,406—landing at the 60th percentile among in-state options. More importantly, earnings jump 37% by year four to $53,399, eventually exceeding even UNC Chapel Hill's first-year outcomes. This growth trajectory matters for North Carolina families paying in-state tuition.

The debt picture sweetens the proposition: at $24,459, graduates borrow roughly $2,000 less than the state median and $6,500 less than the national benchmark. That 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio means the typical graduate owes less than eight months of their starting salary. Combined with the strong earnings growth, most graduates should comfortably manage their loans while building careers in North Carolina's expanding healthcare sector.

The tradeoff is clear: accept a modest starting salary in exchange for manageable debt and solid upward mobility. For students planning to work in North Carolina after graduation—particularly those from families where 31% receive Pell grants—this represents a practical path into healthcare administration without the premium price tag of private alternatives like Campbell or Gardner-Webb.