Health and Medical Administrative Services at West Virginia University Institute of Technology

West Virginia University Institute of Technology's health administration program falls below national benchmarks but holds its own within West Virginia's limited healthcare management landscape. First-year earnings of $39,229 trail the national median by about $5,000, placing graduates in just the 22nd percentile nationally. However, within West Virginia—where this program is offered at only eight schools—it ties for the top spot alongside the main WVU campus, landing at the 60th percentile statewide.

The $30,000 debt load creates a manageable 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly nine months of their first-year salary. This isn't great compared to many healthcare fields, but it's workable for administrative roles that typically offer steady employment. The concern is more about earnings potential: $39,000 doesn't leave much financial cushion in your first year out of college, even in West Virginia's lower cost-of-living environment.

Keep in mind this analysis relies on fewer than 30 graduates, so one or two outliers could significantly skew these figures. If your child is committed to staying in West Virginia and wants to work in healthcare administration, this program performs as well as any in-state option. But if geographic flexibility exists, they should explore programs in other states where healthcare administrative salaries start closer to $45,000-$50,000.