Health and Medical Administrative Services at Harris-Stowe State University

A bachelor's degree in health and medical administrative services from Harris-Stowe State University carries an estimated $26,592 in debt—notably lower than both the state median of $31,318 and the national median of $31,000 for this field. With first-year earnings from comparable Missouri programs hovering around $50,500, that puts the debt burden at just over half a year's salary, which is manageable territory. What makes this particularly relevant for Harris-Stowe families is that nearly three-quarters of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the school serves students who need affordable pathways into stable healthcare administration careers.

The earnings estimate places this program right at Missouri's median for the field and above the national benchmark of $44,345. While some St. Louis-area competitors like the College of Health Careers in Fenton show higher outcomes, Harris-Stowe's combination of lower debt and solid earnings creates a reasonable value equation. Healthcare administration is a field with genuine job stability, and entering it with debt that's $5,000 below peer programs gives graduates breathing room in those critical early career years.

For families weighing this option, the fundamentals look sound: moderate debt for a field with consistent demand. The caveat is that these are estimates based on similar programs statewide, not Harris-Stowe's specific track record. Still, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 suggests graduates should be able to manage repayment while building careers in hospital systems, medical practices, or insurance companies throughout the region.