Health and Medical Administrative Services at Swedish Institute a College of Health Sciences

Swedish Institute's healthcare administration certificate struggles to compete in New York's crowded market. At $22,780 in first-year earnings, graduates land well below both the state median ($28,135) and the national average, placing them in just the 25th percentile among New York programs. For perspective, Hunter Business School's graduates earn 45% more right out of the gate, and even the state median is $5,000 higher annually.

The 34% earnings growth over four years helps close some of this gap—reaching $30,621 by year four—but that's still playing catch-up rather than getting ahead. The $15,832 in debt sits slightly below the NY median, which provides some relief, though it still represents nearly 70% of that first year's salary. Given that 86% of students here receive Pell grants, many families have limited financial cushion to absorb those early lean years.

This program might work for someone already employed in healthcare who needs a credential to advance internally and can afford the income hit. But if your child is starting from scratch and comparing New York options, the earnings data suggests looking at programs where graduates start closer to $30,000—it makes a meaningful difference when you're stretching every paycheck.