Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,112
95th percentile (60th in NE)
Median Debt
$15,976
31% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.36
Manageable
Sample Size
23
Limited data

Analysis

Metropolitan Community College's medical administrative program offers an intriguing paradox: graduates earn nearly $12,000 more than the national average for this field, yet they're closer to the middle of the pack among Nebraska's handful of similar programs. That 95th percentile national ranking sounds impressive until you realize Nebraska's other community colleges are producing similar outcomes—Central Community College, for instance, reports nearly identical earnings at $43,366.

The real concern here is the earnings trajectory. Graduates start strong at $44,112 but see their income drop to $38,888 by year four—a 12% decline that's unusual for healthcare administration roles, which typically offer stable career ladders. The $15,976 debt load is manageable at 36% of first-year earnings, but less so if you're planning around that declining income trend. It's worth noting this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these figures could swing considerably with a different cohort.

For Nebraska families, this program doesn't stand out from cheaper alternatives in-state. If you're specifically committed to Metropolitan Community College for location or other reasons, the debt is reasonable enough. But the backward earnings growth and middling state performance suggest you should thoroughly compare this to other Nebraska community colleges offering the same credential—particularly if any are closer to home or offer lower costs.

Where Metropolitan Community College Area Stands

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

Metropolitan Community College AreaOther health and medical administrative services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Metropolitan Community College Area graduates compare to all programs nationally

Metropolitan Community College Area graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all health and medical administrative services associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska

Health and Medical Administrative Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (6 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Metropolitan Community College Area$44,112$38,888$15,9760.36
Central Community College$43,366—$13,2270.31
National Median$31,719—$23,0000.73

Other Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs in Nebraska

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Nebraska schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Central Community College
Grand Island
$3,360$43,366$13,227

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 Metropolitan Community College Area, approximately 20% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.