Health and Medical Administrative Services at Shawnee State University

Shawnee State's Health and Medical Administrative Services program delivers an unusual earnings trajectory: graduates start at $45,324—above both the Ohio median ($42,663) and national median ($44,345)—but see their earnings drop to $40,612 within four years. That 10% decline is concerning, particularly when top Ohio programs like University of Cincinnati ($57,183) and Ohio State ($54,301) show more sustained earning power.

The debt picture adds complexity. At $23,250, graduates borrow less than both the state median ($25,750) and significantly less than the national median ($30,998), which helps offset the earnings slide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 is manageable, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about six months of full salary. However, that calculation assumes the year-one salary holds steady—and the data suggests it won't.

For families targeting healthcare administration careers, this program offers an affordable entry point that outperforms most Ohio competitors initially. But the earnings decline raises questions about whether graduates are staying in the field or if starting positions don't lead to advancement. If your student is committed to healthcare administration long-term, the stronger programs may justify their higher cost. If they're uncertain or need to minimize debt, Shawnee State's lower borrowing requirement provides valuable flexibility—just understand the career path may require strategic job changes to maintain earning power.