Location: Waco, TX•In-State Tuition: $54,844•Admission Rate: 51%•Avg SAT: 1313
Median Earnings (1yr)
$23,096
5th percentile
10th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$22,495
13% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.97 ManageableSample: 16 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Baylor's Public Health program shows troubling first-year outcomes, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers may not tell the full story. Starting earnings of just $23,096 land in the bottom 10% among Texas public health programs—substantially below the state median of $35,119 and less than half what graduates earn at UT Arlington or Texas A&M. For context, other Texas public health programs consistently produce starting salaries in the mid-to-high $30,000s, suggesting Baylor graduates may be entering different types of roles or facing geographic constraints.

The debt load of $22,495 isn't catastrophic, but paired with such low initial earnings, it creates an immediate financial squeeze. This near 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could struggle with loan payments while covering basic living expenses. The pattern is particularly puzzling given Baylor's selectivity and relatively affluent student body—typically factors associated with stronger career outcomes.

The small sample caveat matters here: if most graduates are pursuing graduate education or missionary work (common at faith-based institutions), these numbers might reflect intentional career choices rather than program weakness. However, families paying Baylor's private tuition should expect clear answers about typical graduate pathways before committing. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation, peer institutions like UT Arlington offer significantly stronger financial positioning at lower cost.

Where Baylor University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally

Baylor UniversityOther public health programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Baylor University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Baylor University earns $23k — 5th percentile among public health bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (26 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$23,096—$22,4950.97
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston—$99,671—$30,5000.31
East Texas A&M UniversityCommerce$10,026$44,621—$23,3280.52
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$39,584—$18,8560.48
University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio$35,660$37,319—$31,0000.83
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington$11,728$37,043—$20,1080.54
National Median—$37,548—$26,0000.69

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

$98,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Epidemiologists

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

$78,900/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Baylor University, approximately 13% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.