Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,371
50th percentile
60th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$30,995
At national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$44,371$51,123$30,9950.70
Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids$23,324$52,603$47,057$50,4070.96
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant$14,190$44,167$59,162$27,0000.61
Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti$15,510$43,507$47,243$31,0000.71
University of Michigan-FlintFlint$14,014$41,428$44,638$33,1250.80
Baker CollegeOwosso$12,810$40,114$42,188$39,4440.98
National Median$44,345$30,9980.70

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

$103,960/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.