Analysis
Grand Canyon University's health administration program produces graduates who earn moderately above-average starting salaries but carry higher debt loads than most peers. With first-year earnings of $46,773, graduates outperform both national and Arizona medians by about $2,200-2,400 annually. However, the median debt of $38,570 significantly exceeds the national average of $30,998, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82βmanageable but not ideal.
The program's position within Arizona reveals both strengths and limitations. While GCU ranks exactly at the state median for both earnings and debt, it falls well short of top performers like Ottawa University-Surprise ($75,385) and Pima Medical Institute-Tucson ($53,773). The 9% earnings growth over four years to $50,868 is solid but not exceptional, suggesting steady career progression rather than rapid advancement.
For families considering this program, the trade-off is clear: you'll pay above-average tuition for above-average but not outstanding outcomes. The debt level is concerning given that graduates earn less than $47,000 initially, though the healthcare administration field offers job security. If your child can access the higher-performing programs in Arizona or reduce costs through scholarships, those would be preferable options.
Where Grand Canyon University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Grand Canyon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University | $46,773 | $50,868 | +9% |
| Georgetown University | $74,354 | $108,898 | +46% |
| National Louis University | $46,203 | $75,998 | +64% |
| Pima Medical Institute-Tucson | $53,773 | $60,759 | +13% |
| University of Phoenix-Arizona | $44,580 | $41,208 | -8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (11 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,450 | $46,773 | $50,868 | $38,570 | 0.82 | |
| $35,300 | $75,385 | β | $29,198 | 0.39 | |
| β | $53,773 | $60,759 | $44,561 | 0.83 | |
| $9,552 | $44,580 | $41,208 | $51,958 | 1.17 | |
| β | $41,117 | β | $17,119 | 0.42 | |
| $12,051 | $41,117 | β | $17,119 | 0.42 | |
| 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 Grand Canyon University, approximately 43% 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 354 graduates with reported earnings and 555 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.