Est. Earnings (1yr)
$53,497
Est. from PA median (14 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$29,531
Est. from PA median (8 programs)

Analysis

Healthcare administration graduates from comparable Pennsylvania programs typically earn around $53,500 in their first year—well above the national median of $44,345 for this degree. That puts Mercyhurst's estimated outcomes in line with the state average, though notably behind programs like Elizabethtown College ($85,329) and several University of Pittsburgh campuses (around $55,762). The estimated $29,531 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, meaning graduates would owe roughly half of what they earn in year one.

That debt load is manageable compared to many bachelor's programs, and healthcare administration offers steady employment prospects in a sector that continues to grow. However, the earnings trajectory matters here. Some administrative roles in healthcare start modest but grow significantly with experience, while others plateau quickly. Similar programs in Pennsylvania produce a wide range of outcomes—from the mid-$50,000s to well over $80,000—suggesting that specific job placement and the types of healthcare organizations recruiting from a program make a substantial difference.

For families considering this path, the key unknown is where Mercyhurst's specific graduates land in that range. The estimated figures suggest a reasonable investment if your child enters a role with advancement potential, but it's worth investigating what types of positions recent graduates have secured and whether the program has strong connections to major healthcare systems in the region.

Where Mercyhurst University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (35 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Mercyhurst UniversityErie$44,510$53,497*$29,531*
Elizabethtown CollegeElizabethtown$36,842$85,329**
Immaculata UniversityImmaculata$28,550$58,926*$59,326*
University of Pittsburgh-GreensburgGreensburg$14,630$55,762*$65,377$22,662*0.41
University of Pittsburgh-JohnstownJohnstown$14,646$55,762*$65,377$22,662*0.41
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh$21,524$55,762*$65,377$22,662*0.41
National Median$44,345*$30,998*0.70
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

$103,960/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Mercyhurst University, approximately 30% 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 14 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.