Health and Medical Administrative Services at Oregon Institute of Technology

Is $26,500 in debt worth incurring for a bachelor's degree when comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $44,300? That's the question facing families considering Oregon Tech's Health and Medical Administrative Services program. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 looks manageable on paper—you'd owe roughly seven months of gross income—the trajectory tells a more compelling story. By year four, graduates reach $72,748, a 64% jump that significantly outpaces the initial modest start.

Here's what complicates the picture: other healthcare administration programs in Oregon typically show higher first-year earnings (around $56,000) but also substantially higher debt loads (median of $46,500). If Oregon Tech's graduates follow similar patterns to peer programs while avoiding that extra $20,000 in borrowing, this could represent genuine value. The catch is that we're comparing estimated early earnings against actual mid-career data, creating uncertainty about whether Oregon Tech graduates match their in-state peers' stronger starting salaries.

For families, the practical question is whether healthcare administration justifies four years of study when many administrative roles don't require bachelor's degrees. The strong year-four earnings suggest this credential does open doors to management positions with real advancement potential. Just recognize you're betting on estimates that may not reflect Oregon Tech's actual outcomes, and that initial salary might require patience before the degree pays off.