Analysis
Illinois healthcare administration programs show enormous variation in outcomes, with top performers like University of St. Francis reaching $83,000 in first-year earnings while others cluster around $45,000-$50,000. Based on peer programs statewide, Eastern Illinois graduates would likely fall in the middle of this packβcomparable to the state median but well below what private institutions are achieving. The estimated $25,000 in debt is notably lower than both state and national medians, which offers some financial cushion even if earnings don't match the highest earners.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 suggests manageable repayment, but the real question is opportunity cost. Similar programs at Illinois State produce graduates earning about 6% more, while Loyola and Concordia push 25-50% higher. Healthcare administration roles can vary wildly in scope and compensation depending on employer type, geographic market, and whether graduates land in hospital systems versus smaller clinics or physician practices.
The conservative debt load makes this less risky than many bachelor's programs, but parents should recognize they're looking at estimated figures derived from other Illinois schools rather than Eastern Illinois's track record specifically. If your student is committed to healthcare management and Eastern Illinois offers strong placement connections or internship networks in their target market, the moderate debt keeps options open. Otherwise, the gap between estimated outcomes here and proven results at comparable state schools warrants serious investigation into what drives those differences.
Where Eastern Illinois University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,403 | $46,203* | β | $25,000* | β | |
| $37,000 | $83,104* | β | $28,135* | 0.34 | |
| $36,258 | $65,314* | $68,206 | $28,162* | 0.43 | |
| $51,716 | $57,876* | $73,098 | $23,000* | 0.40 | |
| $16,021 | $48,886* | $56,840 | $21,500* | 0.44 | |
| $13,546 | $46,361* | $49,420 | $44,359* | 0.96 | |
| National Median | β | $44,345* | β | $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 Eastern Illinois University, approximately 31% 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 11 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.