Health and Medical Administrative Services at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

Louisiana's healthcare administration programs show a tight earnings cluster, with similar programs across the state producing graduates who earn around $39,000 in their first year—about $5,000 below the national median for this degree. For a field focused on managing healthcare operations, this suggests Louisiana's market pays less than many other states, though the work remains steady and essential to hospitals and clinics statewide.

The estimated $33,000 in debt sits slightly above the national median for this program, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85—meaning graduates would owe roughly 10 months of their first-year salary. This isn't catastrophic, but it's not comfortable either. Monthly loan payments would likely claim a significant chunk of that $39,000 salary during the critical early career years when many graduates are also establishing themselves professionally and personally.

The real question is whether this bachelor's degree opens doors that an associate degree or certificate wouldn't. Healthcare administration is one of those fields where credentials matter for advancement—you might start as a medical office coordinator, but moving into department management or compliance roles typically requires the four-year degree. If your child is serious about climbing that ladder in Louisiana's healthcare systems, the investment makes sense. If they're uncertain about the field or considering leaving the state after graduation, programs in higher-paying markets might offer better returns on the same debt load.