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Peirce College delivers the most affordable path into health administration at just $12,905 net cost, while University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg combines strong value with the highest earnings potential at $53,179. This creates a $25,369 cost spread among top programs, with public universities generally offering better financial returns than their private counterparts. Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, anchored by UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, provides abundant opportunities for medical administrators across hospital systems, insurance companies, and specialty clinics. The state's 20 programs range from career-focused institutions like Pennsylvania College of Technology to research universities, with graduation rates spanning from 5.3% to 84.3%. Most graduates enter a field where organizational skills directly impact patient care and facility operations, making program choice particularly important for career trajectory and debt management.
35
Programs
$12,905 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$44,859
Avg. Program Earnings
63.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

35 Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,905 $45,696 $15,060 5.3%
2 $17,034 $53,179 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
3 $29,464 $53,071 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
4 $30,074 $53,179 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
5 $28,163 $49,058 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
6 $20,822 $33,993 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
7 $29,944 $48,041 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
8 $25,866 $38,289 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
9 $30,528 $43,240 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
10 $34,978 $45,852 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
11 $26,084 $31,839 $17,940 50.4%
12 $38,428 $42,868 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
13 $37,208 $31,866 67.0% 45.7%
14 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
15 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
16 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
17 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
18 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
19 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
20 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
21 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
22 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
23 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
24 $20,748 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
25 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
26 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
27 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
28 $16,521 $19,964 24.4% 93.2%
29 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
30 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
31 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
32 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
33 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
34 $19,279 $19,404 38.9% 34.0%
35 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic difference in graduation rates between programs?

Graduation rates vary wildly from Peirce College's 5.3% to University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus's 84.3%, largely reflecting different student populations and program structures. Career-focused institutions often serve working adults who may take longer to complete degrees or transfer credits elsewhere. Traditional four-year universities typically have higher completion rates due to full-time student enrollment and more academic support resources. The 39-point spread between top and bottom performers suggests program format matters significantly for student success.

How do public universities compare to private schools for return on investment?

Public institutions deliver superior value with University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg costing $17,034 while generating $53,179 in earnings. Pennsylvania College of Technology offers the lowest in-state tuition at $13,544, though earnings are correspondingly lower at $31,839. Private schools like Immaculata University command $29,464 net cost but match public earnings at $53,071. The data shows public programs generally provide better cost-to-earnings ratios, with in-state students enjoying additional tuition advantages.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality or earnings potential?

Acceptance rates show little correlation with graduate earnings, as evidenced by Chestnut Hill College's 98.19% acceptance rate producing $48,041 earners. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus maintains selectivity at 49.14% acceptance while delivering top earnings of $53,179. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, with just 45.7% acceptance, demonstrates that specialized healthcare institutions may be more selective. The wide acceptance range from 45% to 98% suggests program accessibility varies more than quality indicators.

What debt levels should students expect after graduation?

Graduate debt ranges from $21,875 at Drexel University to $32,421 at Pennsylvania College of Technology, with most programs falling between $22,000-$32,000. University of Pittsburgh campuses maintain relatively low debt at $22,662 despite strong earning potential. The debt-to-earnings ratio remains reasonable across programs, with most graduates earning 1.5-2 times their debt load annually. Private institutions don't necessarily saddle students with higher debt, as institutional aid often reduces borrowing needs.

Where do health administration graduates find the best job opportunities in Pennsylvania?

UPMC's extensive hospital network throughout western Pennsylvania creates concentrated opportunities around Pittsburgh, where several top programs operate. Philadelphia's healthcare corridor, including Thomas Jefferson University's medical facilities, offers positions in both traditional hospitals and emerging telehealth companies. The pharmaceutical industry presence in areas like King of Prussia provides corporate roles in medical affairs and regulatory compliance. Graduates earning $53,179 at University of Pittsburgh programs benefit from direct connections to the state's largest healthcare employer and its affiliated networks.

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