Health and Medical Administrative Services at Southwest Baptist University

With estimated debt around $33,000 and first-year earnings of $38,801, Southwest Baptist University's health administration bachelor's produces a tighter financial picture than most Missouri families would hope for. While that debt level sits roughly at the state median for similar programs, the earnings lag significantly—this program falls in the bottom quarter statewide. Peer programs at Columbia College ($54,190) and Missouri Baptist ($53,555) suggest other Missouri schools in this field are placing graduates in substantially better-paying positions, with differences of $15,000+ annually that compound dramatically over a career.

The national comparison reinforces this concern. At the 20th percentile nationally, this program underperforms nearly 80% of health administration bachelor's programs across the country. The gap between Southwest Baptist's outcomes and the Missouri median of $50,509 represents roughly $12,000 annually—money that would make repaying that estimated $33,000 debt considerably more manageable. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 isn't catastrophic, but it's uncomfortably high when your starting salary is already well below what other Missouri programs deliver.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether Southwest Baptist offers compelling non-financial advantages that justify accepting earnings 23% below the state median. The school's open admission and lower price point may appeal to some, but parents should recognize they're likely trading future earning potential for present accessibility.