Health and Medical Administrative Services at Institute of Medical Careers

At just under $25,000 in first-year earnings, Institute of Medical Careers graduates earn significantly less than typical medical administrative services graduates in Pennsylvania—roughly $6,000 below the state median and $7,000 below the national average. This places the program in the bottom quarter statewide, where comparably accessible community colleges like Harrisburg Area and Lehigh Carbon consistently produce graduates earning $37,000-$39,000 in their first year. The gap is substantial enough to affect basic financial stability, particularly given that 91% of students here rely on Pell grants.

The debt load of $26,617 slightly exceeds both state and national benchmarks, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that means graduates owe more than their entire first year's salary. For context, someone earning $24,594 would take home roughly $1,800 monthly after taxes—making even modest loan payments a significant burden. While the program serves a predominantly low-income population, other Pennsylvania schools demonstrate it's possible to deliver better outcomes for similar students.

For families considering this program, the numbers point toward exploring alternatives first. Community colleges across Pennsylvania consistently deliver stronger earnings outcomes in this field at comparable or lower cost. Unless geographic constraints make Institute of Medical Careers the only viable option, prospective students would likely see better returns on their investment—and face less financial stress after graduation—by attending one of the state's community college programs.