Public Health at California Baptist University

California Baptist's public health graduates earn $46,263 in their first year—well above the national median of $37,548 and notably higher than most California programs. While a few schools like UC Berkeley and National University edge ahead, this program outperforms respected state schools like San Diego State. Among California's 29 public health programs, it lands at the 60th percentile, which means graduates here earn more than most in-state peers.

The catch is debt. At $35,287, graduates carry more than twice the California median of $15,265, reflecting the cost of private education. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 remains manageable—graduates earn enough in year one to pay off their loans in under three years if they prioritized repayment. That's a reasonable tradeoff when earnings surpass both state and national benchmarks by this margin.

For families weighing the private school premium, this program demonstrates clear returns. Your child would graduate earning more than 95% of public health majors nationwide while taking on debt that's actually lower than the national median. The combination of strong placement outcomes and a relatively accessible 74% admission rate makes this a solid option for students committed to public health careers, particularly if state school options don't pan out.