Analysis
Eastern Michigan's health administration program sits right in the middle of the pack nationally but performs better than most Michigan alternatives—a meaningful distinction for in-state students paying lower tuition. Graduates earn $43,507 in their first year, slightly below the national median but above 60% of similar programs in Michigan. With only three schools in the state delivering stronger outcomes (Davenport, Ferris State, and Central Michigan), EMU represents a solid middle option for students seeking accessible admission and reasonable debt levels.
The financial picture is manageable but unremarkable. At $31,000 in median debt—roughly equivalent to national and state benchmarks—graduates face a debt burden of 0.71 times their first-year salary. Earnings grow to $47,243 by year four, a 9% increase that suggests steady but unspectacular career progression. For context, the top programs in Michigan deliver starting salaries $5,000-9,000 higher, which compounds significantly over a career.
For Michigan families comparing in-state options, EMU offers predictable value: accessible admission (81% acceptance rate), lower tuition costs than private alternatives, and outcomes that beat most local competitors. Students willing to be more selective might target Davenport or Ferris State for $8,000+ higher starting salaries, but EMU's combination of accessibility and middle-tier outcomes makes it a reasonable choice for students who need a reliable path into healthcare administration without gambling on admission to more competitive programs.
Where Eastern Michigan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Eastern Michigan University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Michigan University | $43,507 | $47,243 | +9% |
| Central Michigan University | $44,167 | $59,162 | +34% |
| Ferris State University | $44,371 | $51,123 | +15% |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $36,407 | $50,435 | +39% |
| Davenport University | $52,603 | $47,057 | -11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,510 | $43,507 | $47,243 | $31,000 | 0.71 | |
| $23,324 | $52,603 | $47,057 | $50,407 | 0.96 | |
| $13,630 | $44,371 | $51,123 | $30,995 | 0.70 | |
| $14,190 | $44,167 | $59,162 | $27,000 | 0.61 | |
| $14,014 | $41,428 | $44,638 | $33,125 | 0.80 | |
| $12,810 | $40,114 | $42,188 | $39,444 | 0.98 | |
| 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 Eastern Michigan University, approximately 37% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 102 graduates with reported earnings and 117 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.