Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,507
45th percentile (60th in MI)
Median Debt
$31,000
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.71
Manageable
Sample Size
102
Adequate data

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

Eastern Michigan UniversityOther health and medical administrative services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Eastern Michigan University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Eastern Michigan University graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 45th percentile of all health and medical administrative services bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (20 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Eastern Michigan University$43,507$47,243$31,0000.71
Davenport University$52,603$47,057$50,4070.96
Ferris State University$44,371$51,123$30,9950.70
Central Michigan University$44,167$59,162$27,0000.61
University of Michigan-Flint$41,428$44,638$33,1250.80
Baker College$40,114$42,188$39,4440.98
National Median$44,345—$30,9980.70

Other Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Davenport University
Grand Rapids
$23,324$52,603$50,407
Ferris State University
Big Rapids
$13,630$44,371$30,995
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant
$14,190$44,167$27,000
University of Michigan-Flint
Flint
$14,014$41,428$33,125
Baker College
Owosso
$12,810$40,114$39,444

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.