Health and Medical Administrative Services at East Ohio College

East Ohio College serves a predominantly low-income student population (76% on Pell grants), and this program delivers one crucial advantage: remarkably low debt at just $10,546—far below both the state median of $25,480 and the national figure of $23,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, graduates can realistically manage their loans even on the modest starting salary of $27,156.

The tradeoff is clear. Earnings land in the 40th percentile among Ohio programs—below the state median of $31,614 but not at the bottom. More concerning, graduates at top Ohio schools like Cuyahoga Community College or Cincinnati State earn $38,000-$42,000 in similar roles, suggesting better opportunities exist if your student can access them. The flat earnings trajectory (just 1% growth over four years) means what you see at graduation is essentially what you get long-term.

For families prioritizing affordability and manageable debt over maximum earning potential, this program offers a pragmatic path into healthcare administration. The low debt burden means graduates won't be financially crippled even with below-average earnings. However, if your student has strong academic credentials and can commute to Cleveland or Cincinnati, those higher-earning programs would likely justify any additional cost. This works best as a local, low-risk option for students who need to minimize borrowing above all else.