Analysis
The $33,000 debt burden for a healthcare administration degree at George Washington becomes problematic when peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $44,000. That 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would dedicate roughly three-quarters of their first year's salary to paying off what they borrowedβa heavy lift in an expensive city like Washington, DC, where that $44,000 doesn't stretch far.
The comparison to Georgetown's healthcare administration program is illuminating. Georgetown graduates earn a reported $74,354βnearly 70% more than what comparable national programs produce. While we can't know if GW's specific outcomes match Georgetown's or fall closer to the national pattern, the gap matters enormously for career launch. In DC's competitive healthcare market, where quality connections and institutional reputation can accelerate advancement, that difference compounds quickly.
For families paying elite-school tuition at an institution with a 1433 average SAT, the estimated return looks underwhelming. If your child is set on healthcare administration, probe deeply: Does GW's program place students into the DC healthcare ecosystem as effectively as its price tag suggests? Can they graduate with significantly less debt through scholarships or working while enrolled? Without stronger evidence that this program outperforms its national peers, you're betting a substantial sum on outcomes that may not justify the investment.
Where George Washington University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $64,990 | $44,345* | β | $33,345* | β | |
| $65,081 | $74,354* | $108,898 | $17,500* | 0.24 | |
| National Median | β | $44,345* | β | $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 George Washington University, approximately 15% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 262 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.