Health and Medical Administrative Services at Herzing University-New Orleans

At $45,666 four years out, Herzing University-New Orleans' healthcare administration program falls nearly $8,000 below the national median for this field while carrying $47,375 in debt—about 50% more than the typical graduate. That creates a debt burden roughly equal to a full year's starting salary, which means monthly payments around $540 will absorb a significant chunk of take-home pay. The program does rank at the 60th percentile in Louisiana, but that's largely because Louisiana healthcare administration salaries run below national norms to begin with.

The comparison to Louisiana Tech is telling: their graduates earn essentially the same as Herzing's four-year mark ($44,468) right out of the gate, while likely carrying far less debt at a public institution. Herzing serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (72%), and for students who need flexible scheduling or nearby access, it fills a role. But the financial math is tough when debt exceeds earnings by this margin in a field where the national median is already modest.

If your child has access to Louisiana Tech or ULL—especially as an in-state student—those represent better financial bets. If Herzing is the only realistic option due to location or program format, go in with eyes open about that debt load and consider whether starting at a community college could reduce borrowing before transferring.