Health and Medical Administrative Services at Lincoln Technical Institute-Iselin

Lincoln Tech-Iselin's Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn $25,591 in their first year—$12,000 less than the typical New Jersey graduate in this field and about $6,000 below the national median. More concerning, this program ranks in just the 10th percentile among New Jersey's 16 schools offering medical administrative services. Graduates at Berkeley College-Woodland Park, for instance, earn 63% more in the same local job market.

The debt load is relatively manageable at $15,116, well below both state and national medians, which keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.6. That's the program's main advantage. However, earnings actually slip to $24,991 by year four—unusual for healthcare administration roles, which typically offer advancement opportunities. This stagnation, combined with below-market starting salaries, means graduates may struggle to build financial momentum even with lower debt.

For parents weighing this program, the fundamental question is whether saving on tuition justifies accepting earnings that trail state and national benchmarks by such wide margins. With 62% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here need maximum return on their education investment. The numbers suggest exploring alternatives, particularly programs at New Jersey's higher-performing schools where graduates enter the same job market earning $12,000-$16,000 more annually—a difference that compounds significantly over a career.