Health and Medical Administrative Services at Jackson State University

Jackson State University's Health and Medical Administrative Services program graduates earn just $30,860 in their first year—nearly $14,000 below the national median and $4,000 below Mississippi's already modest state average. While the program ranks in the 40th percentile among Mississippi schools (a six-school market where competition is limited), it lands in the bottom 5% nationally. Graduates carry $44,875 in debt, meaning they owe 1.45 times their first-year salary—a burden that makes monthly payments difficult on an administrative assistant's income.

The 18% earnings growth to $36,318 by year four offers some relief, but even this improved figure trails what graduates at nearby Belhaven University earn right out of the gate. For context, the national median for this degree is $44,345, suggesting either weaker job placement connections or a concentration in lower-paying administrative roles rather than management positions. With 68% of Jackson State students receiving Pell grants, many are taking on significant debt with limited family resources to fall back on.

For families weighing this program, the fundamental question is whether a bachelor's degree is necessary for their child's healthcare administrative goals. Many entry-level positions in medical offices accept candidates with associate degrees or certificates at considerably lower cost. If a bachelor's is required for advancement, this program's below-average outcomes suggest exploring other Mississippi options first.