Health and Medical Administrative Services (Associate's Degree) at Missouri Western State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$34,882

Est. from MO median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$20,437

Est. from national median (85 programs)

Analysis

For healthcare administrative work that typically pays in the mid-$30Ks in Missouri, this program's estimated $20,437 debt load creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59—well below the concerning threshold of 1.0. Based on six comparable programs across Missouri, first-year earnings around $34,882 align closely with what other associate's programs in this field deliver statewide, suggesting graduates enter a relatively standardized regional job market where credentials matter more than the specific school name.

The estimated debt figure comes from national patterns rather than Missouri-specific data, and it's worth noting that state programs in this field typically carry higher debt loads (around $25,445 median). If Missouri Western follows that state pattern rather than the lower national estimate, the financial picture shifts slightly but remains reasonable. Healthcare administration offers steady, if modest, entry-level earnings, and the associate's credential provides a quicker path to employment than a bachelor's degree while keeping debt relatively contained.

The bottom line: This program appears positioned in the middle of Missouri's healthcare administration landscape—neither a standout nor a concern based on peer outcomes. The debt level shouldn't overwhelm typical starting salaries, making this a practical choice if your child wants to enter healthcare's business side quickly and affordably, though they should verify actual costs and financial aid packages carefully since these figures are estimates drawn from similar programs.

Where Missouri Western State University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Health and Medical Administrative Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (22 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Missouri Western State UniversitySaint Joseph	$9,800	$34,882*	—	$20,437*	—
State Fair Community CollegeSedalia	$4,104	$36,652*	$30,249	$18,927*	0.52
St Louis College of Health Careers-St LouisSaint Louis	—	$35,503*	—	$27,036*	0.76
St Louis College of Health Careers-FentonFenton	—	$35,503*	—	$27,036*	0.76
Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield	$4,184	$34,260*	—	$14,875*	0.43
East Central CollegeUnion	$3,888	$29,516*	$37,719	—*	—
National Median	—	$31,719*	—	$23,000*	0.73

* 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 Missouri Western State University, approximately 28% 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 6 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.