Public Health at Ball State University

With an estimated debt of around $22,000 and first-year earnings near $43,000 based on comparable Indiana public health programs, Ball State's bachelor's degree positions graduates slightly ahead of the national median ($37,548) but in line with what peer schools in the state typically produce. The debt load is also lighter than the $26,000 national median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about six months of gross income.

However, these figures come from a small pool of similar Indiana programs, and public health salaries can vary significantly depending on whether graduates pursue clinical roles, community health positions, or administrative work. The national landscape shows considerable variation, with top programs reaching $42,000+ while others fall short of $35,000. Ball State's position among Indiana schools suggests competitiveness with larger state universities like IU-Bloomington and IU-Indianapolis, though slightly behind Purdue's outcomes.

For families weighing this investment, the moderate debt burden works in your favor, but the relatively modest starting salary means your student should have clear career goals. Public health roles often require additional credentials or graduate degrees to advance significantly in pay, so consider whether this bachelor's serves as a terminal degree or a stepping stone.