Health and Medical Administrative Services at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University's healthcare administration bachelor's produces first-year earnings of $48,114—solidly above the national median but trailing other Washington programs. While graduates here earn more than most peers nationally (65th percentile), they fall to the 40th percentile within Washington state, where Bellevue College's comparable program yields $71,572 in first-year earnings. The estimated $26,592 in debt is more manageable than the national median for these programs, though other Washington schools typically see lower debt loads (around $16,293).

The bigger concern is the minimal earnings growth: just $2,000 over four years, or 4%. Most bachelor's programs see more substantial salary progression as graduates gain experience and move into supervisory roles. This stagnation suggests either limited advancement opportunities or a regional healthcare market that doesn't reward experience as generously as other areas might. At a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, the immediate burden isn't crushing, but the flat trajectory means you're not banking on rising income to make repayment easier over time.

For families weighing options, this program delivers functional outcomes—earnings that cover the debt without crisis—but doesn't match what's available elsewhere in Washington. If your child is committed to staying in the Spokane area and values EWU's accessibility, this works. If flexibility matters and stronger programs are within reach, those alternatives offer meaningfully better returns.