Health and Medical Administrative Services at University of Minnesota-Duluth

University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates in health administration start modestly but see impressive momentum, with median earnings jumping 38% to reach $63,676 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the initial $46,263 starting salary—by four years out, these graduates are earning substantially more than the national median and closing the gap with Minnesota's typically higher-paying programs.

The debt picture here is notably favorable. At $23,230, borrowers owe roughly half what's typical nationally and $11,000 less than the state median. This creates manageable monthly payments even during those lower-earning early years, with debt representing just half of first-year income. While UMN-Duluth ranks in the middle of Minnesota's 16 programs for starting salary (40th percentile), several of the higher-earning programs also saddle students with significantly more debt.

This program works well for families prioritizing affordability and career growth over maximizing year-one earnings. The combination of below-average debt and strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates gain valuable skills that employers increasingly reward. Just be aware that breaking into health administration often means starting in entry-level positions before advancing into better-compensated management roles—those willing to invest a few years will likely see the payoff.