Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Western Carolina University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,406

Est. from NC median (10 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,000

Est. from NC median (5 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable programs across North Carolina, a bachelor's in Health and Medical Administrative Services typically leads to first-year earnings around $38,400—landing squarely at the state median but roughly $6,000 below the national benchmark of $44,345. With an estimated $26,000 in debt, Western Carolina's program appears to match typical state borrowing patterns while staying well below the $31,000 national median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 suggests manageable repayment, though it's worth noting that UNC-Chapel Hill's reported outcomes ($49,967) show that substantially higher earnings are achievable within this field in North Carolina.

The challenge here is that healthcare administration salaries in North Carolina consistently trail national figures, meaning graduates may need to either accept regional pay scales or relocate to capture higher earnings. Western Carolina's accessible admission profile (87% acceptance rate, one-third Pell recipients) serves students who might not access flagship programs, but the estimated earnings don't reflect any apparent regional advantage despite the school's location in a rural area with significant healthcare needs.

For families, this program represents a calculated bet: the debt load appears reasonable if your child plans to stay in North Carolina's healthcare sector, but the estimated earnings suggest limited financial upside compared to peer institutions with reported data. If your student is considering this field, direct conversations with Western Carolina about actual graduate placement and starting salaries would help clarify whether these statewide estimates reflect their specific outcomes.

Where Western Carolina University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (20 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee	$4,532	$38,406*	—	$26,000*	—
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill	$8,989	$49,967*	—	—*	—
University of Mount OliveMount Olive	$25,950	$43,807*	$45,947	$40,670*	0.93
Campbell UniversityBuies Creek	$40,410	$39,522*	$54,033	$25,605*	0.65
Gardner-Webb UniversityBoiling Springs	$33,450	$39,472*	—	$24,312*	0.62
East Carolina UniversityGreenville	$7,361	$38,900*	$53,399	$24,459*	0.63
National Median	—	$44,345*	—	$30,998*	0.70

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

$103,960/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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 Western Carolina University, approximately 33% 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 10 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.