Health and Medical Administrative Services at University of Illinois Chicago

UIC's health administration program demonstrates exactly what anxious parents hope for: steady upward momentum after graduation. While first-year earnings of $44,526 land near the national median, graduates see a robust 36% jump to over $60,000 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the modest starting point, particularly given the exceptionally low $20,000 debt load—roughly one-third the national average for this degree and well below Illinois' typical $28,162.

The challenge is relative positioning within Illinois. UIC ranks in just the 40th percentile statewide, trailing programs like University of St. Francis (graduates earning $83,000) and even Illinois State ($48,886) by a meaningful margin. This isn't a red flag given UIC's accessible 79% admission rate and strong Pell grant population, but it does suggest graduates may need to work their way up through entry-level positions rather than landing mid-tier roles immediately.

The math works cleanly here: a debt burden under half of first-year earnings paired with strong early-career growth creates a manageable financial picture. This program won't catapult your child into six-figure healthcare administration roles right away, but it provides solid preparation at a price point that makes the degree attainable without crushing debt. For students seeking a reliable healthcare management pathway without premium costs, UIC delivers.