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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,510 | $53,497* | — | $29,531* | — | |
| $36,842 | $85,329* | — | —* | — | |
| $28,550 | $58,926* | $59,326 | —* | — | |
| $14,630 | $55,762* | $65,377 | $22,662* | 0.41 | |
| $14,646 | $55,762* | $65,377 | $22,662* | 0.41 | |
| $21,524 | $55,762* | $65,377 | $22,662* | 0.41 | |
| 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 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.