Health and Medical Administrative Services at Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University's health administration program graduates earn nearly $50,000 in their first year—outperforming the national median by over $5,500 and placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. That's solid initial performance for a relatively open-access institution serving a significant population of Pell Grant students. The debt load of $46,649 is higher than typical for this field but remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay this back within a few years of focused repayment.

The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually see their income slip by about $1,200 between years one and four. This backward movement is unusual and suggests either limited advancement opportunities in the roles graduates secure or potential issues with retention in the field. Within Iowa specifically, the program ranks in the 60th percentile—respectable but not exceptional when compared to the state's handful of competing programs.

For parents evaluating this program, the question is whether that strong starting salary justifies the debt, given the stagnant earnings picture. If your child plans to pursue graduate education or pivot into higher-paying administrative roles within a few years, the initial salary provides a workable foundation. But if they're expecting steady career progression in their first job, these numbers suggest that may not materialize automatically.