Health and Medical Administrative Services at Waldorf University

Waldorf University's healthcare administration program delivers solid results at a reasonable price, though graduates should know they're earning slightly less than peers at other Iowa schools. First-year earnings of $46,923 beat the national average by about $2,500, but fall short of Iowa's state median of $48,420. Among the nine programs statewide, this ranks at the 40th percentile—middle of the pack in a state where healthcare admin grads generally start strong.

The debt picture tilts favorably. At $27,086, graduates owe nearly $10,000 less than the state median and about $4,000 below the national benchmark. This translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, meaning most graduates should be able to handle monthly payments without significant financial strain. The lighter debt load helps offset the slightly lower starting salary compared to competitors like Upper Iowa University.

For parents weighing cost versus earning potential, this program offers a practical middle ground. Your child won't graduate at the top of Iowa's earning spectrum, but they also won't carry the heavy debt burden common at other schools. The near-national-median starting salary combined with below-average debt creates breathing room for young professionals entering the healthcare field—a sector with strong long-term employment prospects regardless of where you start.