Health and Medical Administrative Services at North Shore Community College

North Shore Community College's Health and Medical Administrative Services program carries impressively low debt—just $10,224, well below the national median of $23,000—but graduates earn significantly less than their Massachusetts peers. While earnings start at $33,638 and grow to $40,927 by year four (a solid 22% increase), that still lags behind the state median of $40,062 for new graduates in this field. The program ranks in just the 25th percentile among Massachusetts schools, meaning three-quarters of comparable programs in the state produce higher-earning graduates. Fisher College graduates, for instance, earn over $50,000 right out of the gate.

The debt situation is genuinely excellent—a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than four months' salary. For families prioritizing affordability, this matters. However, the earnings gap raises questions about whether this program provides the same career preparation or placement opportunities as competing Massachusetts programs. The difference between North Shore's first-year earnings and the state median represents about $6,400 annually, which compounds significantly over a career.

If your child plans to work in Massachusetts healthcare administration, compare this program carefully against Springfield Technical Community College, which matches state median earnings at similar debt levels. North Shore works if minimizing debt is the top priority and you're comfortable with below-average state earnings, but stronger options exist at comparable costs within the Massachusetts community college system.