Public Health at Appalachian State University

Appalachian State's Public Health program starts slow but builds momentum—graduates earn $34,148 initially but see earnings jump 28% to $43,580 by year four. That growth trajectory eventually pushes graduates above both national and state medians, though the first year lags behind NC's average of $37,328. The program sits at the 40th percentile statewide, meaning roughly half of North Carolina's public health programs deliver better immediate outcomes. Top performers like NC A&T and Duke generate substantially higher earnings, but those typically come with steeper admission requirements or tuition costs.

The debt picture works in this program's favor. At $20,361, graduates borrow about $5,000 less than the state median and $6,000 below the national average. That translates to manageable monthly payments even during the lower-earning first year, and the debt-to-earnings ratio improves as salaries climb. For a school with an 89% admission rate, this represents solid accessibility combined with reasonable financial risk.

The core question is whether a slower start matters for your student's plans. If they need immediate earning power—perhaps to support themselves independently right after graduation—programs like NC A&T or UNC-Greensboro might justify the comparison shopping. But if they can weather a modest first-year salary while building experience, the combination of low debt and steady earnings growth makes this a financially sensible choice, particularly for in-state students paying North Carolina tuition rates.