Health and Medical Administrative Services at Metropolitan Community College Area
Associate's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College Area | $44,112 | $38,888 | $15,976 | 0.36 |
| Central Community College | $43,366 | — | $13,227 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $31,719 | — | $23,000 | 0.73 |
Other Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs in Nebraska
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Nebraska schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.