Public Health at Baylor University

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.