Health and Medical Administrative Services at South Texas College

South Texas College's health administration program delivers exceptional value through a rare combination: minimal debt ($5,500) and reasonable earnings growth. While starting salaries of $33,000 trail both state and national averages significantly, graduates increase their earnings to $39,000 by year four—a solid 19% jump—all while carrying less debt than 95% of similar programs nationwide. This is the lowest debt load among all Texas schools offering this degree, where the state median sits at $31,731.

The earnings gap is real and substantial. Graduates here start $11,000 below the Texas median and fall in the bottom quarter of state programs. Top Texas programs like Baptist Health System ($66,000) and UT Dallas ($47,800) pay nearly double what this program's graduates initially earn. However, in McAllen's lower cost-of-living market, these starting salaries go further than raw numbers suggest, and the debt burden is so light that graduates have breathing room other programs don't provide.

For families prioritizing affordable education with manageable risk, this program delivers. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 means graduates can realistically pay off loans quickly, even on modest salaries. If your child has offers from higher-ranked programs but would need significant borrowing, the math may favor South Texas. But if they can attend a stronger-earning program without dramatically more debt, that's likely the better path to higher lifetime earnings.