Health and Medical Administrative Services at University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB's health administration program starts below the national average but shows impressive momentum, with graduates seeing their earnings jump 28% to reach $51,637 by year four. That trajectory matters: while you'll begin around $40,285—roughly $4,000 less than the typical graduate nationally—you'll surpass the national median within a few years if this pattern holds.

Within Alabama, this program punches above its weight. It ranks in the 60th percentile statewide and trails only Columbia Southern and Auburn among in-state options. The debt load of $28,460 is notably lighter than Alabama's median of $38,210 for similar programs, giving graduates more breathing room as their careers develop. The 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio means manageable payments even in that lower-earning first year.

The real question is whether your child is patient enough to ride out those early years. Healthcare administration careers often require working up from coordinator or assistant roles before reaching management positions where the real money kicks in. For Alabama residents paying in-state tuition, the combination of controlled debt and strong growth potential makes this a solid choice—just don't expect immediate financial payoff at graduation.