Health and Medical Administrative Services at Winona State University

Winona State's health administration program punches above its weight nationally but faces stiff competition closer to home. While graduates earn $61,935 in their first year—putting them in the 95th percentile among similar programs nationwide and roughly $17,500 above the national median—they're actually in the middle of the pack for Minnesota, at the 60th percentile. Among the state's 16 programs, Winona State essentially ties with Capella and Minnesota-Crookston for top earnings, making it one of three leaders rather than a clear standout.

The debt picture is reasonable at $32,557, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that suggests manageable repayment. This is roughly on par with national norms and slightly better than Minnesota's typical debt load for this field. For a regional comprehensive university with a 69% admission rate, these outcomes represent solid execution—students aren't paying premium prices or taking on excessive debt for their earnings potential.

The practical takeaway: This program delivers strong career outcomes at a fair price, particularly impressive given the school's accessibility. While your child won't necessarily out-earn graduates from competing Minnesota programs, they'll enter a field where Winona State has clearly built strong employer relationships. The $62,000 starting salary provides enough cushion to handle the debt comfortably while building a healthcare administration career.