Health and Medical Administrative Services at Somerset Community College

Somerset Community College's health administrative certificate produces graduates earning $26,674 in their first year—just below Kentucky's median for this credential but paired with debt levels more than 70% higher than what's typical in the state. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings among Kentucky schools offering this certificate, the $25,693 debt burden stands out as unusually high for a community college credential, landing in just the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with less debt).

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.96 means graduates face nearly a full year's salary in student loans, which is particularly concerning for an entry-level administrative position in healthcare. Compare this to Jefferson Community and Technical College, where similar graduates earn $36,000+ and typically carry around $14,850 in debt—a significantly better financial proposition. Given that 43% of Somerset students receive Pell grants, this debt load creates real hardship for working families seeking an affordable pathway into healthcare careers.

For parents considering this program, the core issue is straightforward: Somerset's certificate costs substantially more than it should for what it delivers. If your child can access Jefferson Community and Technical College or even stay closer to state-typical debt levels, they'll enter the workforce with far more financial breathing room in a field where starting salaries are modest regardless of where you train.