Health-Related Knowledge and Skills at University of Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island's Health-Related Knowledge and Skills program significantly outearns most comparable programs nationwide, landing in the 95th percentile for first-year earnings—remarkable considering the national median for this degree sits at just $35,666. Graduates start at $35,907 and reach $43,822 by year four, a 22% increase that suggests real career progression. The debt load of $24,771 is also notably lower than the national median of $27,383, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 that's quite manageable.

However, context matters: URI is the only Rhode Island school offering this specific program, so the "60th percentile" state ranking is essentially meaningless. The more telling comparison is against national programs, where URI clearly stands out. With only nine schools nationwide offering this degree, it's a niche field, but URI appears to have built strong industry connections or curriculum that translates to better outcomes than most competitors.

For families weighing this option, the numbers tell a straightforward story: competitive starting pay, reasonable debt, and solid earnings growth. At URI's 77% admission rate, this represents an accessible path to above-average outcomes in a specialized health field. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't statistical flukes—this program consistently delivers.