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Best Value Health and Medical Administrative Services Colleges in North Carolina

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

UNC Chapel Hill graduates earning health and medical administrative services degrees command starting salaries of $52,107, nearly double the field average across North Carolina's 20 programs. This premium reflects the university's selective 17% acceptance rate and the strength of North Carolina's healthcare economy, anchored by major systems like Duke Health and Atrium Health that actively recruit skilled administrators. The state's public universities deliver remarkable value, with in-state students at Western Carolina paying just $4,532 annually while Wake Technical Community College offers the lowest net price at $6,935. Private institutions tell a different story, with costs ranging up to $24,978 at Methodist University. The Research Triangle's concentration of medical research facilities and Charlotte's role as a southeastern healthcare center create strong demand for graduates who can navigate complex healthcare operations, insurance protocols, and patient management systems.
20
Programs
$6,935 – $24,978
Net Price Range
$38,036
Avg. Program Earnings
51.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,983 $52,107 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
2 $17,893 $43,240 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
3 $13,393 $32,094 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
4 $16,514 $39,523 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
5 $16,487 $38,289 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
6 $23,991 $31,314 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
7 $22,772 $29,685 18.8%
8 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
9 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
10 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
11 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
12 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
13 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
14 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
15 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
16 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
17 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
18 $17,271 $16,070 45.5% 44.9%
19 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
20 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive salary gap between UNC Chapel Hill and other programs?

UNC Chapel Hill graduates earn $52,107 compared to the state average of $36,000, reflecting both the university's academic reputation and its connections to North Carolina's major healthcare employers. The 17% acceptance rate means only top students gain admission, creating a pipeline of high-achieving graduates. Chapel Hill's proximity to the Research Triangle medical corridor also provides networking opportunities that translate into higher-paying positions.

How do public university costs compare to private options for this major?

In-state students at public universities pay between $2,336 at Wake Technical and $8,989 at UNC Chapel Hill, while private institutions charge $25,950 to $40,410 annually. East Carolina University offers strong value with $7,361 in-state tuition and graduates earning $39,523. The cost difference can exceed $30,000 per year, making public options significantly more affordable for North Carolina residents.

Is the low graduation rate at Wake Technical Community College concerning?

Wake Technical's 31% graduation rate reflects its role as a community college serving varied student populations, including working adults and transfer students who may complete programs elsewhere. The $6,935 net price makes it the most affordable option in the state. Many students use Wake Technical as a stepping stone to four-year programs or enter the workforce after earning certificates rather than completing full degrees.

Does student debt burden vary significantly across North Carolina programs?

Student debt ranges from $21,250 at UNC Charlotte to $49,009 at Miller-Motte College Wilmington, a for-profit institution with concerning outcomes. Most public universities keep debt manageable, with Appalachian State at $21,500 and East Carolina at $22,825. Private nonprofit schools like Campbell University maintain reasonable debt levels at $21,535 despite higher tuition costs.

Where do North Carolina healthcare administration graduates typically find employment?

The Research Triangle area employs graduates at Duke University Health System, UNC Health, and WakeMed, while Charlotte offers opportunities at Atrium Health and Presbyterian Healthcare. Smaller cities like Greenville and Asheville also provide positions at regional medical centers. The state's aging population and expanding healthcare infrastructure create steady demand for skilled administrators across urban and rural markets.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.