Health and Medical Administrative Services at The College of Health Care Professions-Austin

At $31,619 starting out, this certificate delivers earnings above 81% of similar programs nationwide—a significant achievement for a credential that requires just $9,500 in debt. While Texas has nearly 100 schools offering healthcare administration programs, this Austin campus matches the performance of its Dallas counterpart and sits comfortably above the state median of $25,639. The 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can pay off their loans with about 18 weeks of earnings, making this one of the more accessible pathways into healthcare administration.

The program serves a predominantly working-class student body (69% Pell recipients) and gets them employed quickly in Austin's competitive healthcare market. Earnings grow modestly to $33,930 by year four—not spectacular growth, but steady progress that puts graduates closer to the state's top performers like Galveston and Dallas College. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes rather than a few outliers skewing the data.

For families seeking an affordable entry into healthcare that doesn't require a four-year commitment, this program delivers. You're looking at manageable debt, above-average starting pay, and a clear path to employment in administrative roles that keep healthcare facilities running. The certificate won't make anyone wealthy, but it offers economic stability without the financial risk of a traditional degree.