Health and Medical Administrative Services at Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg Area Community College's health administration program commands a premium price—$31,585 in median debt versus $23,306 statewide—but the earnings justify it. At $38,736 right after graduation, this program outperforms 80% of Pennsylvania's health administration programs and ranks in the 87th percentile nationally. That's $8,000 more than the typical Pennsylvania graduate in this field earns, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82.

The program trails only Peirce College and Delaware County Community College among Pennsylvania peers, while costing significantly less in borrowing than private alternatives. Four-year earnings of $40,782 show steady progression rather than dramatic growth, which is typical for administrative healthcare roles that offer stability over rapid advancement. The extra debt takes a bit longer to justify than at some competing community colleges, but the strong starting salary provides enough cushion for comfortable repayment.

For students serious about healthcare administration careers in central Pennsylvania, this represents a solid pathway. The above-average debt is offset by notably above-average earnings that position graduates well in the job market from day one.