Health and Medical Administrative Services at University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky graduates from this healthcare administration program start at $46,477—slightly above both the national and Kentucky medians, landing in the 60th percentile statewide. That's a modest edge in a competitive field, though the real standout here is the debt picture. At $23,375, UK students carry about $7,600 less debt than the typical Kentucky graduate in this program and roughly $7,600 less than the national median. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50, graduates should be able to manage their loans on a single year's salary.

The challenge is that healthcare administration starting salaries cluster tightly across Kentucky programs—UK's earnings advantage over Western Kentucky University is minimal, and even the strongest programs in the state hover around $45,000. This means the primary financial benefit here comes from UK's lower debt burden rather than significantly higher earning potential. The admission rate of 92% also suggests this is an accessible pathway for most Kentucky students.

For families choosing between in-state options, UK offers a solid middle-ground: comparable earnings to competitors but with notably less debt. That's a meaningful advantage when you're paying back loans, even if it doesn't translate to a dramatic career trajectory difference. Just understand you're entering a field where starting salaries are modest but predictable, and the degree's value lies more in stable employment than rapid income growth.