Analysis
Ferris State's health administration program lands solidly in the middle of the pack nationally, but performs better within Michigan—ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 20 programs. With first-year earnings of $44,371 and debt of $31,000 (a 0.70 ratio), graduates face reasonable but not exceptional starting conditions. The program sits just below top state performers like Davenport ($52,603) but ahead of half the competition, including Eastern Michigan and Baker College.
The trajectory here matters: earnings climb 15% to $51,123 by year four, suggesting graduates develop marketable skills that translate to career advancement. This isn't a fast-track to high income, but it's steady growth in a healthcare field that values administrative expertise. For a school with an 81% admission rate serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students, these outcomes represent accessible healthcare career entry without crushing debt.
The value proposition depends on your child's goals. If they're interested in healthcare but not direct patient care, this provides a legitimate pathway with manageable financial risk. However, if they can gain admission to Davenport, the $8,000 higher starting salary would justify exploring that option—it would recover any additional costs quickly. For students who want to stay in Michigan and work in healthcare administration, Ferris delivers dependable middle-tier results at a price point that won't derail their financial future.
Where Ferris State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ferris State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferris State University | $44,371 | $51,123 | +15% |
| Central Michigan University | $44,167 | $59,162 | +34% |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $36,407 | $50,435 | +39% |
| Eastern Michigan University | $43,507 | $47,243 | +9% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,630 | $44,371 | $51,123 | $30,995 | 0.70 | |
| $23,324 | $52,603 | $47,057 | $50,407 | 0.96 | |
| $14,190 | $44,167 | $59,162 | $27,000 | 0.61 | |
| $15,510 | $43,507 | $47,243 | $31,000 | 0.71 | |
| $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 Ferris State University, approximately 34% 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 85 graduates with reported earnings and 91 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.