Health and Medical Administrative Services at Franklin University

Franklin University's healthcare administration program delivers stronger starting salaries than most Ohio alternatives—placing graduates ahead of 38 other state programs—but at a cost. While first-year earnings of $49,853 surpass both state ($42,663) and national ($44,345) medians, that advantage begins eroding immediately. By year four, graduates are earning $48,362, a troubling downward slide that's uncommon in fields where experience typically commands higher pay. The $35,534 debt load is substantial, running $10,000 above the state median, though still manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71.

The comparison to Ohio's top programs reveals the gap: Cincinnati and Ohio State graduates earn $7,000-8,000 more annually right out of the gate, and presumably maintain that advantage as their careers progress. Yet Franklin substantially outperforms the state median, suggesting it serves students well who may not access flagship universities—particularly meaningful given that a third of students here receive Pell grants.

The declining earnings pattern demands explanation. It could reflect graduates taking entry-level clinical roles before transitioning to management, or sample-size volatility with 30-100 graduates tracked. For families, this works if you need an accessible program that gets your child employed quickly in healthcare administration. But if flagship universities are realistic options academically and financially, those programs offer stronger long-term positioning in a field where earnings should climb with experience, not decline.