Analysis
Based on comparable programs in Tennessee, Lee's health administration bachelor's likely produces first-year earnings around $39,451—nearly $5,000 below the national median for this credential. That gap matters when you're carrying an estimated $34,675 in debt, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88 that's workable but not comfortable. Similar programs at King University and Trevecca Nazarene show significantly stronger outcomes, suggesting location, alumni networks, or program structure create real differences within Tennessee's healthcare administration market.
The bigger question is whether this particular path makes sense. Healthcare administration is a field where experience and credentials often matter as much as the initial degree, and starting salaries in the mid-$30Ks to low-$40Ks are common across Tennessee programs. The estimated debt level here is higher than the state median and above what most of these programs nationally report, which means graduates may face tighter budgets in those crucial early career years when building experience.
If your child is set on Lee for other reasons—faith community, campus culture, specific faculty—the numbers aren't disqualifying. But if the choice is purely about return on investment in healthcare administration, you'd want to understand what specifically Lee offers that programs with stronger outcomes don't, especially given you'll likely be taking on above-average debt for a field with modest starting pay.
Where Lee University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $22,690 | $39,451* | — | $34,675* | — | |
| $34,800 | $50,606* | — | $34,675* | 0.69 | |
| $29,790 | $46,784* | — | $27,000* | 0.58 | |
| $13,846 | $39,451* | $47,154 | $46,500* | 1.18 | |
| $8,568 | $38,134* | $50,307 | $27,000* | 0.71 | |
| — | $34,888* | $31,789 | $57,500* | 1.65 | |
| National Median | — | $44,345* | — | $30,998* | 0.70 |
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 Lee University, approximately 27% 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 5 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.