Health and Medical Administrative Services at University of Southern Indiana

University of Southern Indiana's Health and Medical Administrative Services program leaves graduates earning roughly $39,000—below both the national median ($44,345) and Indiana's median ($43,444) for this degree. While the debt load of $23,250 is notably lower than typical borrowing for this field, the modest starting salary still creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59. More concerning is the lack of earnings momentum: graduates see only a 2% increase over four years, reaching just over $40,000 by year four. This stagnation is particularly striking when compared to Indiana Wesleyan's graduates in the same field, who earn $50,000+ right out of the gate.

The program does offer one advantage: it's significantly cheaper to finance than most alternatives. At the 84th percentile for debt nationally, USI keeps borrowing well below the national median of $31,000. For a family prioritizing affordability and certain their child will enter healthcare administration locally, this could work—especially given the university's 95% admission rate and accessible entry requirements.

The fundamental question is whether the $11,000 earnings gap compared to Indiana Wesleyan justifies their likely higher costs. Healthcare administration roles do exist at this salary level in Indiana, but graduates should expect a slow financial trajectory. This program makes most sense for students already working in healthcare who need the credential for advancement, not those counting on the degree alone to launch a career.