Public Health at American Public University System

American Public University System's online public health associate program posts first-year earnings of $36,794—well above the $30,191 national median for this degree and placing it in the 95th percentile nationally. However, the picture gets more complicated when you look closer: this is the only program of its kind in West Virginia, making the 60th percentile state ranking essentially meaningless as a comparison point. More concerning, earnings actually decline to $34,181 by year four, an unusual downward trajectory that raises questions about career progression.

The $25,163 in median debt translates to a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than seven months of first-year income. That's reasonable compared to many associate programs. But the earnings decline means students are making less four years out than they did initially—a pattern that could indicate limited advancement opportunities or graduates shifting to different career paths that don't fully utilize the credential.

The critical caveat here: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances can heavily skew these numbers. For an online program serving a national student base, one or two high earners in healthcare settings could inflate the first-year figures, while the decline might reflect graduates transitioning into community health roles that pay less but offer other benefits. Given the small sample and unusual earnings pattern, this program requires extra due diligence about typical graduate outcomes and career paths before committing.