Public Health at Bryant & Stratton College-Online

Bryant & Stratton College's online public health associate's program charges substantially more than most comparable programs—graduates carry $30,312 in debt versus a $20,000 national median—yet earnings start at just $33,828. That debt load represents nearly a full year's salary, which is high for an associate's degree. The program does rank in the 75th percentile nationally for earnings, but that's partly because public health associate's degrees generally produce modest income across the board, with a national median barely above $30,000.

The upside here is genuine earnings growth: graduates see income rise 12% to $38,013 by year four, a positive trajectory that suggests career advancement potential. However, three-quarters of students receive Pell grants, indicating this relatively expensive program serves primarily students with financial need. That creates a concerning mismatch between the debt burden and the population most vulnerable to it.

For families considering this program, the central question is whether the online convenience and Bryant & Stratton's support services justify taking on 50% more debt than typical for this degree. If your child can access a similar program with lower borrowing costs—particularly at a SUNY community college—that would likely represent a safer investment. The earnings trajectory is encouraging, but starting your career with $30,000+ in debt on a $34,000 salary leaves little margin for financial setbacks.