Health Administration at Ridgewater College

Willmar, MN · Public · Associate Degree · Health and Medical Administrative Services

with a smaller student body of 2,048 in Willmar, MN.

Program Analysis

Ridgewater College Health Administration graduates command $40,206/yr out of the gate, well above the $29,545 national median. That 36% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 34.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Health Administration career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $22,399 against $40,206/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Ridgewater College ranks #116 among 710 Health Administration programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $40,206 to $42,713 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 14 apprenticeship pathways connected to Health Administration reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
68
Score
70
High End
Earnings $40,206/yr (36% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (46% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (729,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$431K
1.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
35.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
19 of 19
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$12,218
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,399
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,713
6% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Health Administration graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Managers, all other $136,550 +4.5% 53%
Information security analysts $124,910 +28.5% 35%
Medical and health services managers $117,960 +23.2% 57%
Managers, all other
$136,550
+4.5% growth 53% AI-proof
Information security analysts
$124,910
+28.5% growth 35% AI-proof
Medical and health services managers
$117,960
+23.2% growth 57% AI-proof

View all 19 career paths with full salary data →

Health Administration Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Health Administration careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Health Administration career guide →

Compare & Explore

Health Administration Overview

Health Administration at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ridgewater College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ridgewater College's Health Administration program score?
At 68/100, Ridgewater College's Health Administration program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Health Administration at Ridgewater College?
The 54% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Ridgewater College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Why does Ridgewater College rank so high for Health Administration?
The #116 ranking out of 710 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Health Administration program at Ridgewater College?
The DOL recognizes 14 apprenticeship pathways related to Health Administration. For students weighing Ridgewater College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Health Administration graduates?
With approximately 729,600 annual openings across mapped careers, Health Administration offers a very large employment pool. Ridgewater College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →