Health and Medical Administrative Services at Pima Medical Institute-Aurora

Colorado's healthcare administrative programs show significant variation in outcomes, with similar associate's degree programs producing first-year earnings anywhere from $26,000 to nearly $44,000. Based on peer programs in the state, graduates can expect to earn around $37,800 initially—right at the state median and notably above the national benchmark of $31,700. However, at an estimated $23,000 in debt, the program carries meaningful borrowing costs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61. That means you'd be borrowing roughly seven months of first-year salary.

Here's the practical concern: nearby community colleges like Front Range and Arapahoe report first-year earnings exceeding $43,000 for their healthcare administrative programs—about $6,000 more annually than what comparable programs at Pima typically produce. Those extra earnings could accelerate debt payoff by nearly a year. With nearly half of Pima's students qualifying for Pell grants, this debt load represents a substantial financial commitment for families without significant college savings.

The estimated figures here make it difficult to assess whether Pima specifically delivers better or worse value than these numbers suggest. Before committing to this program, request actual placement and earnings data directly from the school's career services office, and compare the total cost—including living expenses during the program—against the community college alternatives that are showing stronger graduate outcomes.