Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Marymount University

Marymount's Health Sciences program produces graduates earning $25,727 their first year out—about $11,000 less than the typical Virginia graduate in this field and $10,000 below the national median. While the $26,000 debt load looks manageable on paper, it equals an entire year's earnings, creating a challenging financial start for new graduates. Among eight Virginia programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile for earnings, meaning three-quarters of comparable state programs deliver stronger outcomes.

The earnings gap is the central concern here. At $25,727, graduates are earning closer to what you'd expect from an associate degree or certificate program, not a bachelor's degree that required four years and significant investment. South University's Virginia campuses, for comparison, produce graduates earning over $36,000—nearly $11,000 more annually. That difference compounds quickly: over five years, it represents $55,000 in additional income that could accelerate debt payoff and build financial security.

For an anxious parent, the question is whether this program leads to stable healthcare employment that justifies the investment. The data suggests graduates may be landing in lower-tier healthcare positions that don't require bachelor's-level credentials. If your child is considering this field, compare career outcomes and job placement rates carefully against Virginia's stronger-performing programs. The near-1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio means the first year post-graduation will be financially tight, and you'll want confidence that earnings grow meaningfully in years two and three.