Health and Medical Administrative Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Tidewater Community College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$25,738

33rd percentile

40th percentile in Virginia

Median Debt

$16,150

56% above national median

Analysis

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.

Where Tidewater Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Tidewater Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Health and Medical Administrative Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (31 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Tidewater Community CollegeNorfolk	$5,714	$25,738	—	$16,150	0.63
Virginia Western Community CollegeRoanoke	$5,256	$28,754	$29,587	$28,627	1.00
Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia BeachVirginia Beach	$18,457	$28,135	$24,539	$16,467	0.59
American National UniversitySalem	$10,735	$27,863	$25,240	$19,903	0.71
Centura College-NorfolkNorfolk	$16,637	$26,072	$27,041	$14,700	0.56
Centura College-ChesapeakeChesapeake	$16,637	$26,072	$27,041	$14,700	0.56
National Median	—	$27,783	—	$10,372	0.37

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

$103,960/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Tidewater Community College, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.