Health and Medical Administrative Services at Southern University at New Orleans

Louisiana's health administration programs show a tight earnings cluster around $39,000 first-year, and estimates for Southern University at New Orleans fall right in that range. What distinguishes this program is the estimated debt load: at roughly $26,600, it comes in significantly below both the Louisiana median ($35,200) and the national median ($31,000) for these bachelor's programs. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 means graduates would owe less than seven months of their first-year salary—a manageable starting point for loan repayment.

The tradeoff is that comparable Louisiana programs produce earnings about $5,000 below the national median for health administration degrees. Healthcare administration roles often require time to advance, and starting salaries in the low $40,000s reflect entry-level positions. Students from a school where 45% receive Pell grants are likely prioritizing affordable access to credentials that lead to stable employment, and on that measure, the lower debt burden matters more than the earnings gap.

For families evaluating this program, the key question is career trajectory: does health administration in Louisiana offer growth potential that justifies the degree investment? If your child is drawn to healthcare operations and willing to start in coordinator or support roles that build toward management positions, the relatively light debt load provides breathing room for that career development. Just recognize these are estimates based on peer programs—the actual outcomes could vary.