Health and Medical Administrative Services at Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College's health administration certificate lands in the middle of the pack—hovering around the 40th percentile among Virginia programs—but manages debt reasonably well. At $25,738 one year out, graduates earn slightly less than both the state median ($26,072) and the national median ($27,783), though nearby competitors like Virginia Western ($28,754) and Bryant & Stratton Virginia Beach ($28,135) show significantly stronger outcomes. The debt load of $16,150 is higher than the national median but fairly typical for Virginia programs.

The 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about 7.5 months of their first-year salary—manageable but not exceptional. What's notable here is that while the program keeps debt below many competitors, it's not translating that advantage into stronger value. A $2,400 gap compared to Virginia Western may not sound dramatic, but over a career it compounds significantly, especially in a field where early earnings often set the trajectory.

For families considering this certificate, the question becomes whether proximity and convenience justify accepting below-average outcomes. If your child can access one of the stronger Virginia programs—particularly Virginia Western or Bryant & Stratton—the better first-year earnings could offset any additional commuting costs within months. This program won't saddle students with crushing debt, but it's not positioning them competitively either.