Median Earnings (1yr)
$31,401
80th percentile (60th in IN)
Median Debt
$9,500
8% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.30
Manageable
Sample Size
59
Adequate data

Analysis

Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette graduates start strong, earning $31,401 in their first year—notably above both the national median ($27,783) and Indiana's state median ($29,369) for this certificate. The program ties for top earnings among Indiana's 14 medical administrative programs. With debt at just $9,500, graduates face manageable monthly payments that represent only 30% of first-year earnings. For a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (86%), these initial outcomes suggest solid workforce entry.

The concern emerges in the earnings trajectory: median pay drops to $26,020 by year four, a 17% decline that falls below both state and national medians. This pattern likely reflects the realities of medical office work—starting wages are competitive, but advancement often requires additional credentials or moving into clinical roles. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual career paths heavily influence these numbers, but the trend warrants attention.

For families prioritizing quick workforce entry with minimal debt, this program delivers what it promises: immediate employment at reasonable pay with low financial burden. However, parents should understand this as a foundation credential. Graduates who invest in further education or pursue specialized certifications will likely see better long-term earnings than those who remain in entry-level medical office positions. The value proposition works best for students who need to start earning quickly while building toward something more.

Where Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette Stands

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

Ross Medical Education Center-LafayetteOther 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 Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 80th percentile of all health and medical administrative services certificate 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 Indiana

Health and Medical Administrative Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (14 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette$31,401$26,020$9,5000.30
Ross Medical Education Center-Evansville$31,401$26,020$9,5000.30
Ross Medical Education Center-Kokomo$31,401$26,020$9,5000.30
Purdue University Global$30,168$30,906$17,7190.59
Ross Medical Education Center-Muncie$28,570$28,742$9,5000.33
Ross Medical Education Center-Fort Wayne$28,495$25,554$9,5000.33
National Median$27,783—$10,3720.37

Other Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs in Indiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Ross Medical Education Center-Evansville
Evansville
—$31,401$9,500
Ross Medical Education Center-Kokomo
Kokomo
—$31,401$9,500
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette
$10,110$30,168$17,719
Ross Medical Education Center-Muncie
Muncie
—$28,570$9,500
Ross Medical Education Center-Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne
—$28,495$9,500

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 Ross Medical Education Center-Lafayette, approximately 86% 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 59 graduates with reported earnings and 67 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.