Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,122
28th percentile (40th in PA)
Median Debt
$23,613
3% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.84
Manageable
Sample Size
33
Adequate data

Analysis

Northampton County Area Community College's health administration program lands squarely in the middle of Pennsylvania's options—not among the state's strongest performers, but avoiding the bottom tier. At $33,207 four years out, graduates earn about $2,500 less than the state median, placing this program at the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania's 36 offerings. More concerning, nearby Lehigh Carbon Community College—just down the road—produces graduates earning $3,500 more annually, while Delaware County and Harrisburg grads clear $43,000.

The debt load of $23,613 creates a manageable but not ideal first-year burden (0.84 ratio), requiring roughly 10 months of gross income to repay. The 18% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests career progression is possible, though graduates still trail top state programs significantly even after several years in the field. For families prioritizing healthcare administration training close to the Lehigh Valley, this program delivers credentials that lead to steady employment, but the earning potential lags behind what peer community colleges achieve.

The practical question: Would your student be better served by commuting slightly farther to Lehigh Carbon or Harrisburg Area Community College? The additional $3,000-$10,000 in annual earnings could make that extra drive time worthwhile, especially given similar debt levels across these programs.

Where Northampton County Area Community College Stands

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

Northampton County Area Community CollegeOther 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 Northampton County Area Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Northampton County Area Community College graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 28th 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 Pennsylvania

Health and Medical Administrative Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (36 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northampton County Area Community College$28,122$33,207$23,6130.84
Peirce College$45,250$50,296$45,0621.00
Delaware County Community College$43,435$31,750$17,4930.40
Harrisburg Area Community College$38,736$40,782$31,5850.82
Lehigh Carbon Community College$36,704$50,183$19,2860.53
Montgomery County Community College$35,638—$19,9450.56
National Median$31,719—$23,0000.73

Other Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Peirce College
Philadelphia
$15,060$45,250$45,062
Delaware County Community College
Media
$6,660$43,435$17,493
Harrisburg Area Community College
Harrisburg
$7,373$38,736$31,585
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Schnecksville
$5,215$36,704$19,286
Montgomery County Community College
Blue Bell
$6,270$35,638$19,945

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 Northampton County Area Community College, approximately 38% 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 33 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.