Health and Medical Administrative Services at University of Michigan-Dearborn

The numbers tell a story of patience required: UM-Dearborn health administration graduates start at $36,407—well below both the state median ($41,428) and national average ($44,345)—but see strong 39% earnings growth by year four, reaching $50,435. That places this program squarely at the 40th percentile among Michigan's 20 programs in this field, meaning you're looking at middle-of-the-pack outcomes compared to alternatives like Davenport ($52,603) or Ferris State ($44,371). The low debt load of $23,039 helps offset the modest starting salary, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio even in that difficult first year.

What makes this particularly challenging is that fifth percentile national ranking—95% of similar programs across the country produce better first-year outcomes. The earnings growth is real and meaningful, but your child will likely be earning less than peers from competing programs during those crucial early career years when student loan payments begin. For a family counting on immediate earning power after graduation, this presents a tangible financial strain.

The value proposition here depends entirely on whether your student can weather two to three years of below-market earnings. If they can live at home or have financial support during that period, the reasonable debt burden and eventual earnings recovery make this workable. But families expecting this degree to quickly translate into financial independence should look at the stronger Michigan alternatives that start graduates $5,000-15,000 higher right out of the gate.