Rankings / Masters
Best Master's in Healthcare Administration
- 50
- Schools
- $65,684
- Avg. Earnings
- 64%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,488
- Avg. Net Price
- $19,988
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $45,325 at the low end to $131,426 at the top. That 2.9× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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CUNY Lehman College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $58,013 against $3,148 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is CUNY Lehman College, at $3,148 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Pennsylvania graduates 97% of its students, well above the 64% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Johns Hopkins University: graduates owe only 0.12× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Johns Hopkins University ($87,555 earnings), not the highest earner, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences ($131,426). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. CUNY Lehman College ($3,148/yr) and Dominican University of California ($35,333/yr) produce graduates earning $58,013 and $84,713 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $32,185 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, CUNY Lehman College outperforms Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with CUNY Lehman College and University of Pennsylvania. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $62K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Johns Hopkins University #1 overall | $87,555 ▲ +33% vs avg | $18,809 | 94% | 88 |
| 2 CUNY York College #2 overall | $56,945 ▼ -13% vs avg | $4,456 | 31% | 87 |
| 3 CUNY Lehman College #3 overall | $58,013 ▼ -12% vs avg | $3,148 | 50% | 87 |
| $72,273 ▲ +10% vs avg | $15,706 | 56% | 87 | |
| $57,053 ▼ -13% vs avg | $13,323 | 51% | 86 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Master's in Healthcare Administration
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $65,684 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 64% and an average net price of $18,488.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY Lehman College — Net Price: $3,148 | Graduation Rate: 50%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Pennsylvania — 97% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences — Median alumni earnings: $131,426
Our Analysis Found
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Healthcare Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the U.S. healthcare workforce?
$61,559
Median earnings (10yr)
64%
Median graduation rate
$18,488
Median net price
2.0%
Avg. mobility rate
Few sectors of the economy depend more directly on what colleges produce than healthcare. Chronic shortages across nursing and allied health have made workforce training a bottleneck for the entire system. Schools rise on this list by combining rigorous instruction with clinical placements and high licensure pass rates, the bridge between enrolling and actually practicing.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $61,559 ten years after they first enrolled, about $13,559 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 64%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $18,488 a year, with about $20,047 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 30% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.0%.
One pattern runs through this list: programs with deep clinical partnerships move their graduates into the workforce faster. Johns Hopkins University tops the ranking, and the median graduate here earns $61,559 ten years after enrollment. Demand outruns supply in this field, so the bottleneck is training capacity and credential attainment rather than hiring.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Johns Hopkins University lands at #1 with a 88/100 composite, led by academic quality (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (82/100). Graduates earn a median $87,555 a decade after enrolling, 33% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,809 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
CUNY York College lands at #2 with a 87/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $56,945 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,456 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
CUNY Lehman College lands at #3 with a 87/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $58,013 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,148 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Oregon Institute of Technology lands at #4 with a 87/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (69/100). Graduates earn a median $72,273 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,706 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
The University of Texas at Tyler lands at #5 with a 86/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (69/100). Graduates earn a median $57,053 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,323 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Albany, NY · 53% accepted · $29,882 net
Why it ranks #6
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences lands at #6 with a 86/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $131,426 a decade after enrolling, 100% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,882 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Texas Woman's University lands at #7 with a 86/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (68/100). Graduates earn a median $56,544 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,963 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
University of Pennsylvania lands at #8 with a 86/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (74/100). Graduates earn a median $111,371 a decade after enrolling, 70% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,699 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of Portland lands at #9 with a 86/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $82,804 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,210 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Azusa Pacific University lands at #10 with a 86/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $66,677 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,212 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
The University of Texas at Arlington lands at #11 with a 86/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,199 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,951 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Pacific Lutheran University lands at #12 with a 84/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $66,990 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,589 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
University of North Florida lands at #13 with a 84/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $56,343 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,154 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Regis University lands at #14 with a 84/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $72,105 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,397 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Wagner College lands at #15 with a 84/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $74,360 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,241 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Duke University lands at #16 with a 84/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (73/100). Graduates earn a median $97,800 a decade after enrolling, 49% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,612 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Radford University lands at #17 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $53,739 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,578 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Immaculata University lands at #18 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $75,701 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,258 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Nevada State University lands at #19 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $53,166 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,068 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Rockhurst University lands at #20 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $67,102 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,884 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Chapel Hill, NC · 15% accepted · $11,655 net
Why it ranks #21
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lands at #21 with a 83/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (77/100). Graduates earn a median $72,200 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,655 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Newman University lands at #22 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $55,041 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,971 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Rhode Island College lands at #23 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,318 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,478 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
The College of Saint Scholastica lands at #24 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $65,934 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,846 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Holy Family University lands at #25 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $62,235 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,143 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
University of Florida lands at #26 with a 83/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (76/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,541 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Oklahoma City University lands at #27 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $54,655 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,857 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Concordia University Texas lands at #28 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $60,883 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,131 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Valparaiso University lands at #29 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $63,191 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,578 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Linfield University lands at #30 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $78,638 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,536 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Edwardsville, IL · 98% accepted · $14,889 net
Why it ranks #31
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville lands at #31 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,346 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,889 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Simmons University lands at #32 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $63,494 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,265 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
University of South Florida lands at #33 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $57,743 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,812 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Samford University lands at #34 with a 82/100 composite, led by academic quality (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $58,469 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $32,622 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Weber State University lands at #35 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $56,287 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,258 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
St Catherine University lands at #36 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $59,282 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,764 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
University of Central Florida lands at #37 with a 82/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Wilmington, NC · 64% accepted · $20,109 net
Why it ranks #38
University of North Carolina Wilmington lands at #38 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $54,967 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,109 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Seattle University lands at #39 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $75,272 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,662 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
University of Virginia's College at Wise lands at #40 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $45,325 a decade after enrolling, 31% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,210 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Midwestern State University lands at #41 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $55,747 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,656 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Tennessee Wesleyan University lands at #42 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $45,989 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,836 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Southwestern Oklahoma State University lands at #43 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $45,744 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,459 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Oakland University lands at #44 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $58,612 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,120 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Mississippi University for Women lands at #45 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $46,128 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,411 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
University of West Florida lands at #46 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $49,137 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
James Madison University lands at #47 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $69,954 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,322 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Dominican University of California lands at #48 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $84,713 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,333 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Creighton University lands at #49 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $73,911 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,568 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
D'Youville University lands at #50 with a 81/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $66,942 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,433 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
Choosing a master's program in healthcare administration can be daunting, especially with so many options available. These schools are recognized for their focus on health professions, aiming to equip students with the skills needed for impactful careers. With an average graduate earning of $71,878, these programs offer a promising return on investment.
The standout programs in this list share strong outcomes in key areas like graduate earnings, mobility, completion rates, and manageable debt levels. Families should pay attention to these metrics, as they reflect the real-world value of the education provided. Below, you'll find a ranking that highlights the schools excelling in these critical areas, allowing you to make an informed decision.
For instance, the University of Pennsylvania leads with impressive earnings of $111,371, while CUNY Lehman College has significantly lower earnings at $58,013. This contrast illustrates the trade-offs between potential income and costs. Understanding these differences can help students prioritize what matters most in their education journey.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 50 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. CUNY Lehman College leads the group at 10.2%, with CUNY York College (6.8%) and D'Youville University (4%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 7.9% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. CUNY Lehman College enrolls the most, at 36.7%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 29.1% across the list, peaking at 85.2% at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.64, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and University of Pennsylvania is highest at 1.88.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
When comparing schools, one pattern may not be immediately obvious: the relationship between earnings and debt levels. For example, Duke University has an average earning of $97,800 alongside a manageable debt of $13,000, while Mount Carmel College of Nursing, with lower earnings at $75,103, has a much higher debt of $22,082. This contrast suggests that while some programs may appear affordable, they could lead to a heavier financial burden that impacts graduates' long-term success.
As you evaluate these programs, consider your own priorities, such as location, program fit, and financial situation. Look at the net price and debt alongside potential earnings to assess what works best for you. For instance, if you value affordability, CUNY Lehman College may be appealing, but keep in mind its lower earning potential. Create a checklist that weighs these factors to guide your decision-making process.
Ultimately, this data reveals the importance of choosing a program that not only provides a solid education but also positions graduates for stable careers. A master's in healthcare administration is a significant investment for any family. By examining the earnings and debt associated with each program, you can make a choice that leads to a stable and fulfilling career path.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Master's in Healthcare Administration: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Master's in Healthcare Administration ranking? +
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Master's in Healthcare Administration ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $87,555 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 94% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences posts the highest median earnings on this list: $131,426 ten years after enrollment, well above the $65,684 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, CUNY Lehman College leads: graduates earn a median $58,013 against net price of about $3,148 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Pennsylvania has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 97%, compared with a 64% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $18,488 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. CUNY Lehman College is among the most affordable at roughly $3,148. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Master's in Healthcare Administration ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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