Health and Medical Administrative Services at North Shore Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
northshore.eduAnalysis
A short-term healthcare credential at North Shore faces a fundamental math problem: estimated debt of nearly $16,000 against first-year earnings that similar Massachusetts programs suggest hover around $36,600. That debt load is roughly 80% higher than what comparable programs typically carry statewide ($9,000 median), which matters when you're starting at under $37,000 annually. For context, the national picture for this certificate looks even tougher—median earnings of just $27,800—so Massachusetts programs do appear stronger overall, but the debt differential here is real.
The earnings estimate itself, drawn from three peer programs in Massachusetts, aligns with what nearby community colleges like Northern Essex and Bunker Hill report for their graduates. That suggests the career outcomes could be reasonable—medical administrative roles are stable and in demand. But paying $16,000 for training that leads to $36,600 creates tighter financial margins than you'd see at other Bay State schools offering the same credential for half the borrowing.
If your child is committed to healthcare administration and North Shore offers specific advantages—location, schedule flexibility, support services—the career path itself appears viable in Massachusetts. Just understand you're likely taking on above-average debt for this type of program. Before committing, get clarity on actual graduate outcomes from the school directly and explore whether financial aid could meaningfully reduce that borrowing burden.
Where North Shore Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Health and Medical Administrative Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,352 | $36,643* | — | $15,975* | — | |
| $5,688 | $37,514* | $37,697 | $8,462* | 0.23 | |
| — | $36,643* | $29,541 | $9,500* | 0.26 | |
| $5,520 | $35,298* | $42,411 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $27,783* | — | $10,372* | 0.37 |
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 North Shore Community College, approximately 33% 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 3 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.