Rankings / Social Mobility
Best Social Mobility Colleges for Healthcare Administration
- 50
- Schools
- $69,784
- Avg. Earnings
- 68%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,933
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,033
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $38,663 at the low end to $131,426 at the top. That 3.4× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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CUNY Hunter College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $63,163 against $2,984 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, CUNY Hunter College at $2,984 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $63,163, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Pennsylvania graduates 97% of its students, well above the 68% 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 Hunter College ($2,984/yr) and Boston College ($41,704/yr) produce graduates earning $63,163 and $103,937 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $38,720 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, CUNY Hunter 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 Hunter 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 $67K 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
- Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618.
- Chetty, R., Jackson, M., Kuchler, T., et al. (2022). Social Capital I: Measurement and Associations with Economic Mobility. Nature, 608, 108-121.
- U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.
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 ▲ +25% vs avg | $18,809 | 94% | 84 |
| 2 University of Pennsylvania #2 overall | $111,371 ▲ +60% vs avg | $28,699 | 97% | 83 |
| 3 CUNY Lehman College #3 overall | $58,013 ▼ -17% vs avg | $3,148 | 50% | 81 |
| $56,945 ▼ -18% vs avg | $4,456 | 31% | 81 | |
| $97,800 ▲ +40% vs avg | $29,612 | 96% | 81 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Social Mobility Colleges for Healthcare Administration
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $69,784 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 68% and an average net price of $17,933.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY Hunter College — Net Price: $2,984 | Graduation Rate: 59%
- 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
Low-income students at colleges in the top quartile of economic connectedness are 267% more likely to reach the top income quintile than peers at the least-connected schools.
Healthcare Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the U.S. healthcare workforce?
$66,834
Median earnings (10yr)
68%
Median graduation rate
$15,635
Median net price
2.5%
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 $66,834 ten years after they first enrolled, about $18,834 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 68%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $15,635 a year, with about $18,375 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 2.5%.
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 $66,834 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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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Johns Hopkins University lands at #1 with a 84/100 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, 25% 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
University of Pennsylvania lands at #2 with a 83/100 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, 60% 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 #3
CUNY Lehman College lands at #3 with a 81/100 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, 17% 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
CUNY York College lands at #4 with a 81/100 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, 18% 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 #5
Duke University lands at #5 with a 81/100 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, 40% 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
Chapel Hill, NC · 15% accepted · $11,655 net
Why it ranks #6
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lands at #6 with a 81/100 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, 3% 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 #7
CUNY Hunter College lands at #7 with a 81/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $63,163 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,984 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 #8
University of Florida lands at #8 with a 81/100 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, 3% 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
The University of Texas at Arlington lands at #9 with a 80/100 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, 9% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Albany, NY · 53% accepted · $29,882 net
Why it ranks #10
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences lands at #10 with a 80/100 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, 88% 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 #11
CUNY Brooklyn College lands at #11 with a 80/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $60,752 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,103 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of Virginia's College at Wise lands at #12 with a 79/100 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, 35% 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
Edwardsville, IL · 98% accepted · $14,889 net
Why it ranks #13
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville lands at #13 with a 79/100 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, 19% 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 #14
The University of Texas at Tyler lands at #14 with a 79/100 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, 18% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Oregon Institute of Technology lands at #15 with a 79/100 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, 4% 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Emory University lands at #16 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (70/100). Graduates earn a median $80,137 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,585 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 #17
Brigham Young University lands at #17 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (75/100). Graduates earn a median $75,790 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,564 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of North Florida lands at #18 with a 79/100 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, 19% 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 #19
University of South Florida lands at #19 with a 79/100 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, 17% 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 #20
University of Portland lands at #20 with a 79/100 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, 19% 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Texas Woman's University lands at #21 with a 78/100 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, 19% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Georgetown University lands at #22 with a 78/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (88/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $103,494 a decade after enrolling, 48% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,815 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 #23
Regis University lands at #23 with a 78/100 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, 3% 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 #24
Pacific Lutheran University lands at #24 with a 78/100 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, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,589 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 #25
Azusa Pacific University lands at #25 with a 78/100 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, 4% below 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
University of Central Florida lands at #26 with a 78/100 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, 16% 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
Why it ranks #27
Northwest Iowa Community College lands at #27 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (70/100). Graduates earn a median $50,776 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,800 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 #28
Oakland University lands at #28 with a 77/100 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, 16% 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 #29
James Madison University lands at #29 with a 77/100 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, 0% 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 #30
Boston College lands at #30 with a 77/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $103,937 a decade after enrolling, 49% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,704 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 #31
Northeastern University lands at #31 with a 77/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $92,538 a decade after enrolling, 33% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,915 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 #32
Rhode Island College lands at #32 with a 77/100 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, 19% 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 #33
George Mason University lands at #33 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $76,343 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,915 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 #34
Boston University lands at #34 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $83,238 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,402 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 #35
Radford University lands at #35 with a 77/100 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, 23% 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 #36
The University of Texas at Austin lands at #36 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $75,121 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,857 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 #37
San Jose State University lands at #37 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (71/100). Graduates earn a median $78,988 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,760 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Oklahoma City University lands at #38 with a 77/100 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, 22% 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 #39
University of West Florida lands at #39 with a 77/100 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, 30% 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 #40
Holy Family University lands at #40 with a 77/100 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, 11% 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 #41
Binghamton University lands at #41 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $80,596 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,620 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 #42
Bristol Community College lands at #42 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $38,663 a decade after enrolling, 45% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,547 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
Concordia University Texas lands at #43 with a 77/100 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, 13% 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 #44
Seattle University lands at #44 with a 76/100 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, 8% 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 #45
Florida International University lands at #45 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 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
Wilmington, NC · 64% accepted · $20,109 net
Why it ranks #46
University of North Carolina Wilmington lands at #46 with a 76/100 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, 21% 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 #47
George Washington University lands at #47 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $90,873 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,586 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
Rockhurst University lands at #48 with a 76/100 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, 4% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Temple College lands at #49 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $38,678 a decade after enrolling, 45% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,682 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 #50
Wagner College lands at #50 with a 76/100 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, 7% 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
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 college for healthcare administration is a significant decision, especially when considering social mobility. These programs not only prepare students for careers in a critical field but also influence their financial outcomes. For instance, the average earnings across the top schools listed here reach $74,832, reflecting the potential for a stable financial future.
What sets these institutions apart is their strong track record in essential metrics like graduation rates, earnings, and student debt. The schools on this list have a graduation rate average of 71%, which is crucial for ensuring students complete their degrees and enter the workforce prepared. As you explore the rankings below, keep in mind how each school’s financial outcomes and support systems can impact your long-term success.
For example, the University of Pennsylvania leads with an impressive average earning of $111,371, paired with a 97% graduation rate. In contrast, CUNY Lehman College, while offering a lower net price of $3,148, has just a 50% graduation rate and significantly lower earnings at $58,013. This comparison highlights the trade-offs between cost and outcomes, making it essential to weigh these factors as you consider your options.
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 2.5%. 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 Brooklyn College (8.1%) and CUNY Hunter College (7.5%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 8.5% 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 34% 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 1.69, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Boston College is highest at 1.89.
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 we compare the University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins University, we see a clear difference in outcomes that matter. While Pennsylvania boasts the highest average earnings at $111,371, Johns Hopkins follows with $87,555. This gap of nearly $24,000 demonstrates the potential financial benefits of attending a school with a stronger earning profile, despite the latter's lower debt burden of $10,250.
After reviewing the data from these 50 colleges, think about how it aligns with your personal priorities. Are you more concerned about avoiding debt or maximizing post-graduation earnings? Consider your desired location and program fit. For example, if you prefer a vibrant urban setting, Johns Hopkins in Baltimore might appeal more than the quieter environment of Duke University. Keep your financial situation and career goals front and center as you evaluate your options.
Ultimately, the data paints a picture of how these colleges can influence your journey to a stable life. A degree in healthcare administration can open doors, but the choice of school matters significantly. One family could choose the University of Florida for its affordability and potential earnings, while another might opt for Duke's reputation, even at a higher cost. Each decision shapes a unique path toward financial stability and career success.
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 Social Mobility Colleges for Healthcare Administration: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Social Mobility Colleges for Healthcare Administration ranking? +
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Social Mobility Colleges for 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 $69,784 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 Hunter College leads: graduates earn a median $63,163 against net price of about $2,984 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 68% 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 $17,933 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. CUNY Hunter College is among the most affordable at roughly $2,984. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Social Mobility Colleges for 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
Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →
Chetty, R., Jackson, M., Kuchler, T., et al. (2022). Social Capital I: Measurement and Associations with Economic Mobility. Nature, 608, 108-121. →
U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →
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