Analysis
A debt load approaching $48,000 against first-year earnings around $39,000 creates immediate financial pressure that families should understand upfront. Based on similar private institutions nationally, this program's estimated debt runs more than 50% higher than what healthcare administration bachelor's graduates typically carry ($31,000 nationally, $30,000 in West Virginia). That debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.23 means your graduate would owe more than a full year's salary—a challenging position when starting a career that, according to state-level data, pays roughly $5,000 less annually than the national median for this field.
The comparison to West Virginia's public universities is particularly stark. WVU and Fairmont State produce healthcare administration graduates with similar earnings trajectories but significantly lower debt burdens. With 72% of Valley College-Martinsburg students receiving Pell grants, the higher price point may strain families who already face financial constraints. Healthcare administration offers stable employment prospects, but that stability doesn't change the monthly loan payments your child will face.
Before committing here, get concrete answers about actual graduate outcomes from this specific program and compare the total cost against West Virginia's public alternatives. The $17,000+ debt premium over peer programs needs to deliver tangible advantages—smaller class sizes, better job placement services, or specialized certifications—that justify the additional financial burden your family would shoulder.
Where Valley College-Martinsburg Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $39,229* | — | $48,425* | — | |
| $8,064 | $39,229* | — | $30,000* | 0.76 | |
| $9,648 | $39,229* | — | $30,000* | 0.76 | |
| $8,454 | $35,741* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $44,345* | — | $30,998* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates
Information Security Analysts
Medical and Health Services Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Computer Programmers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Valley College-Martinsburg, approximately 72% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in WV. Actual outcomes may vary.