Health and Medical Administrative Services at Ross Medical Education Center-Owensboro

With 80% of students receiving Pell grants, Ross Medical Education Center-Owensboro serves a predominantly low-income population—making the return on this certificate particularly important to evaluate critically. The program delivers below-average results: graduates earn $26,601 in their first year, landing at exactly the 40th percentile both nationally and within Kentucky. More concerning, earnings slip to $25,446 by year four, meaning graduates are actually making less money four years into their careers. Compare this trajectory to top Kentucky programs like Sullivan University ($38,362) or Jefferson Community and Technical College ($36,397), which offer substantially stronger earning potential.

The $9,500 debt load is manageable in absolute terms—about a third of first-year earnings—but it's higher than 75% of similar programs nationally, while Kentucky's state median for this certificate is even steeper at $14,850. The real issue isn't crushing debt; it's stagnant career growth. For students seeking stable healthcare administration careers, this pattern suggests limited advancement opportunities. A certificate that costs less than $10,000 but leads to declining wages raises questions about whether the credential opens doors or simply provides entry-level access that doesn't improve over time.

For families, the practical question is whether this $9,500 investment creates meaningful career mobility. The data suggests it doesn't. Students serious about healthcare administration should explore community college options or programs with demonstrated earnings growth.