HEALTH Specialization

Health Administration

Health Administration graduates earn $58,716 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 24.2%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Medical & Health Services Manager is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

About Health Administration

This page covers Health Administration as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Health and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.

Health Administration is a focused area of study within Health. Pick this and you can expect to earn around $58,716 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. You will not have trouble finding it: 1,975 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 85,302 students complete it each year. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$44,526
Median Earnings · 4yr
$58,716
Colleges Offering
1,975
Graduates / Year
85,302
Avg Net Price / yr
$20,258

How Much Do Health Administration Graduates Earn?

Four years after finishing Health Administration, a typical graduate earns $58,716, near the national median for college graduates. Half of earners land somewhere between $41,903 and $80,437, so where you end up depends on the job and the employer. Source: College Scorecard.

What that figure means in practice depends on what the degree cost to get, which is a matter of lifetime earnings against total outlay.

$44,526
1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$58,716
4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$58,982
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

Not every Health Administration graduate ends up in the same place. Earnings spread out widely, so know what pushes people to one end or the other. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.


A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $58,716 and an estimated $81,032 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.8 years.

Based on outcomes from 605 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 85,302 students who complete Health Administration programs each year, the majority (27%) earn a certificate degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Certificate 27%
Associate's 24%
Bachelor's 24%

What Can You Do With a Health Administration Degree?

This degree does not lock you into one job. Health Administration graduates show up in 8 different occupations, and Information Security Analyst pays the most at $129,180/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

The best-paid of these is what an Information Security Analyst earns and how fast the role is growing, though entry requirements vary across the list.

↗ +21.0% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$129,180
$98K $164K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 14,100 openings/yr 191K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Active Listening Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

  • Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
  • Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
  • Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
↗ +24.2% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$123,860
$95K $166K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 62,300 openings/yr 597K employed nationally
Speaking Critical Thinking Writing Monitoring Social Perceptiveness
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

  • Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel.
  • Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports.
  • Plan, implement, and administer programs and services in a health care or medical facility, including personnel administration, training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
↗ +5.2% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$114,130
$86K $157K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 22,000 openings/yr 264K employed nationally
Time Management Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking Coordination
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

  • Prepare and review operational reports and schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
  • Set goals and deadlines for the department.
  • Acquire, distribute and store supplies.
↗ +4.6% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$106,660
$82K $139K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 14,200 openings/yr 156K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Judgment and Decision Making Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

  • Monitor the facility to ensure that it remains safe, secure, and well-maintained.
  • Oversee the maintenance and repair of machinery, equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Oversee construction and renovation projects to improve efficiency and to ensure that facilities meet environmental, health, and security standards, and comply with government regulations.
↗ +1.8% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$104,590
$81K $144K 25th–75th pct.
Master's degree 14,500 openings/yr 180K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Writing Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

  • Design or use assessments to monitor student learning outcomes.
  • Recruit, hire, train, and terminate departmental personnel.
  • Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the activities of personnel, including support staff engaged in administering academic institutions, departments, or alumni organizations.
↘ -7.3% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$100,390
$76K $131K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 4,400 openings/yr 92K employed nationally
Programming Active Listening Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Quality Control Analysis
Day-to-day responsibilities

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

  • Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
  • Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
  • Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
↗ +5.9% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$99,080
$64K $142K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 7,600 openings/yr 82K employed nationally
Speaking Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Writing
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as financial accounting, principles of marketing, and operations management.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
↗ +3.8% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$80,730
$61K $109K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 32,700 openings/yr 417K employed nationally
Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening Critical Thinking Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

  • Warn violators of infractions or penalties.
  • Evaluate applications, records, or documents to gather information about eligibility or liability issues.
  • Advise licensees or other individuals or groups concerning licensing, permit, or passport regulations.

Top Colleges for Health Administration

Not sure where to study Health Administration? These 20 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

Ranked by score, that list starts with the cost and outcomes at Ultimate Medical Academy, and the rest follow the same measures.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Ultimate Medical Academy Clearwater, FL · Nonprofit 7,389 Open $20,457 $29,194
2 DeVry University-Illinois Lisle, IL · For-Profit 3,830 98.4% $30,770 $45,987
3 Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH · Nonprofit 1,625 99.5% $36,708 $50,318
4 Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN · Public 804 Open $7,258 $37,186
5 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ · Nonprofit 510 78.9% $22,472 $42,186
6 Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL · Nonprofit 440 97% $30,498 $39,696
7 Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD · Nonprofit 430 6.4% $18,809 $87,555
8 Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, LA · Public 422 50.6% $7,022 $47,477
9 Colorado State University Global Denver, CO · Public 414 98.4% $16,510 $76,813
10 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL · Public 385 40.1% $10,411 $58,308
11 Ross College-Sylvania Sylvania, OH · For-Profit 305 Open $22,893 $29,898
12 George Washington University Washington, DC · Nonprofit 302 47.1% $36,586 $90,873
13 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC · Public 298 79.6% $15,435 $57,289
14 College of Lake County Grayslake, IL · Public 285 Open $7,607 $43,424
15 Florida International University Miami, FL · Public 274 54.7% $9,288 $60,249
16 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Boston, MA · Nonprofit 260 85.2% $39,545 $125,557
17 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA · Nonprofit 226 99% $29,357 $44,813
18 Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, OH · Public 214 85% $21,637 $52,581
19 University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL · Public 214 88.2% $18,749 $54,501
20 CUNY Lehman College Bronx, NY · Public 197 56.6% $3,148 $58,013

Ranked by Health Administration graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Health Administration program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Health Administration Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Health Administration shows 4 measurable strengths and 4 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Above-average earnings Four-year median of $58,716 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $44,526 at graduation to $58,716 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
  • Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +24.2% over the next decade, with Medical & Health Services Manager among the fastest-growing roles.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 171,800 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
  • Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
  • Highly competitive market 85,302 students graduate from this program every year, one of the higher volumes nationally. Entry-level competition can be stiff.

Health Administration Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Health Administration graduates earn?
$58,716 four years after finishing the program. Half of graduates land between $41,903 and $80,437, so employer, role, and location move that number more than the degree itself. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the starting salary for a Health Administration degree?
$44,526 in the first year out. That grows to $58,716 by year four, so do not judge this field on the entry-level number alone. Most of the gain shows up once you clear the first few years and move past entry-level roles. Source: College Scorecard.
What jobs can you get with a Health Administration degree?
Information Security Analyst is one path, and it pays a median of $129,180 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.
How long does a Health Administration program take?
One to two years of full-time study for most Health Administration certificates, and some community colleges get you through in a single semester. That makes it one of the fastest ways into the field.
How many colleges offer Health Administration?
1,975 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.
Is a Health Administration degree worth it?
$58,716 median earnings four years out against $20,258 a year in average net price. That is a reasonable payback window, best at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific schools before deciding. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the difference between Health Administration and Health?
Health Administration is the narrower of the two: Health covers the full discipline, while this program limits the curriculum to Health Administration-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. Pick the specialization once you already know this is the direction you want; it gets you a more targeted credential, not a broader one.
What skills do employers look for in Health Administration graduates?
Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Health Administration graduates consistently look for clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.
Is graduate school worth it for Health Administration graduates?
Often, yes. Advanced degrees in this field (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically come with significantly higher pay and a wider scope of practice, which is why most students in health fields eventually go back for one. Weigh that against your own career goals, the program's cost, and whether your target role actually rewards the advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Health Administration graduates?
Outlook is moderate overall: related occupations average +7.4% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Medical & Health Services Manager is among the strongest-growth roles at +24.2%. That average hides real differences by role and location, so check the Career Paths section below for the projection on each specific occupation before you count on any single number.

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