Health and Medical Administrative Services at Washburn University

Washburn's Health and Medical Administrative Services program starts graduates at $52,016—significantly above the national median of $44,345 and matching Kansas's median for this field. But there's a complication: earnings actually dip to $50,420 by year four, suggesting graduates may hit a ceiling earlier than expected in administrative healthcare roles.

The debt picture offers some reassurance. At $26,500, it's below both state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51. That means graduates need just over half their first-year salary to cover their loans—workable math for administrative positions. However, the stalled earnings growth raises questions about advancement opportunities. While the program ranks in the 79th percentile nationally, it sits squarely in the middle among Kansas programs, with Ottawa University variants producing graduates earning 45% more.

For families looking at healthcare administration without pursuing clinical credentials, this represents a financially accessible entry point. The initial earnings justify the investment, particularly compared to national alternatives. Just understand that this path may require strategic career moves—switching employers or pursuing additional credentials—to break through that early earnings plateau. If your student wants stable healthcare sector employment without six-figure debt, this works. If they're aiming for rapid salary growth, they'll need a plan beyond the degree itself.