Health and Medical Administrative Services at William Rainey Harper College

Harper College's healthcare admin certificate produces graduates earning substantially more than national norms—hitting the 90th percentile nationwide—though the small cohort size means individual circumstances could vary considerably. At $33,090 first-year, these graduates outpace the typical certificate holder in this field by nearly $5,300 annually. Within Illinois, however, the program lands squarely in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like College of DuPage significantly but still clearing the state median.

The debt picture looks reasonable: $10,687 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning graduates owe roughly four months of salary. That's below the state median debt for this credential and manageable on an administrative salary, particularly since these are entry-level positions with advancement potential in healthcare systems. The fact that only 20% of students receive Pell grants suggests this draws a less economically vulnerable population, which may partly explain the strong completion outcomes.

For parents considering this path, it's a solid credential that opens doors in healthcare administration without the time and cost burden of a four-year degree. Just remember the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift year to year. If your student has interest in medical office work and wants to enter the workforce quickly, this offers a practical entry point with debt that won't become a long-term burden.