Health and Medical Administrative Services at Western Kentucky University

At $44,516 starting, Western Kentucky's health administration graduates earn right at the state median—though that's a modest achievement given only 10 Kentucky schools offer this bachelor's program. The bigger concern is what happens next: earnings actually drop to $42,712 by year four, suggesting these roles may hit a ceiling quickly without advancement into management positions or additional credentials.

The $27,000 debt load sits above Kentucky's median for this program and translates to a 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable but not impressive. Compare this to University of Kentucky graduates in the same field who start $2,000 higher and presumably have better advancement prospects at a more competitive institution. The 97% admission rate at Western Kentucky means almost anyone can get in, but the question is whether this accessible path delivers meaningful career mobility in healthcare administration.

If your child is committed to healthcare administration and staying in Kentucky, this program provides a safe entry point with reasonable debt. But understand they're likely looking at $42,000-$45,000 positions for several years, and breaking into higher-paying management roles may require a master's degree down the line. The declining earnings pattern suggests this bachelor's degree alone doesn't command strong wage growth in Kentucky's healthcare market.