Analysis
Healthcare administration occupies a stable middle ground in Minnesota's job market, though Lake Superior College's program lacks its own graduate outcome data to confirm where it stands. Based on comparable associate programs in the state, graduates typically earn around $39,870 in their first year—roughly $8,000 above the national median for this credential—while carrying an estimated $27,750 in debt. That 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, though it's worth noting that some peer Minnesota programs like Anoka Technical College report considerably stronger first-year earnings approaching $45,000.
The concern here isn't the field itself, which offers steady healthcare sector employment, but the absence of program-specific data that would confirm Lake Superior's graduates match these statewide figures. Health administration roles typically provide benefits and advancement potential beyond that first-year number, which helps justify the investment. However, without knowing how this particular program's curriculum, internship connections, or employer relationships translate into actual job placements, you're essentially betting on the broader strength of Minnesota's healthcare market rather than proven outcomes from Duluth.
If your child is committed to staying in northern Minnesota where Lake Superior has regional connections, the investment appears reasonable based on state trends. But if flexibility exists, programs like Anoka Tech with documented higher earnings offer more certainty that the debt load will pay off quickly.
Where Lake Superior College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Health and Medical Administrative Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,786 | $39,870* | — | $27,750* | — | |
| $6,267 | $44,570* | $45,511 | $28,997* | 0.65 | |
| $6,359 | $43,381* | $44,275 | $27,750* | 0.64 | |
| $6,109 | $40,206* | $35,471 | $25,902* | 0.64 | |
| $5,900 | $39,534* | $45,366 | $24,475* | 0.62 | |
| $10,899 | $39,372* | $37,442 | $26,000* | 0.66 | |
| National Median | — | $31,719* | — | $23,000* | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates
Information Security Analysts
Medical and Health Services Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Computer Programmers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Lake Superior College, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.