Location: San Luis Obispo, CA•In-State Tuition: $11,075•Out-of-State Tuition: $30,995•Admission Rate: 30%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,078
Est. from CA median (16 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$14,000
Est. from CA median (11 programs)

Analysis

A $14,000 debt load for a bachelor's degree is remarkably low—less than half what most public health graduates across California carry and well below the $26,000 national median. While the estimated first-year earnings of around $39,000 align with what similar programs throughout California produce, the minimal debt changes the equation considerably. Cal Poly's strong engineering and applied learning reputation may attract students who can graduate without heavy borrowing, which matters more for career outcomes than the starting salary alone.

The challenge is that even with low debt, public health bachelor's degrees rarely command premium salaries right out of the gate. Peer programs at UC Berkeley and several Cal State campuses see graduates earning $45,000 to $48,000 in their first year—suggesting that Cal Poly's outcomes, based on state averages, may lag behind what some competing programs deliver. The field often rewards those who pursue graduate education or specialized certifications, which means these bachelor's-level earnings may represent just the entry point to a longer credential path.

For families comfortable with Cal Poly's selective environment and confident their student can graduate with minimal loans, this estimated debt-to-earnings picture looks manageable. The 0.36 ratio gives breathing room that higher-debt programs don't offer. But if your child can gain admission to UC Berkeley or similar institutions where public health graduates consistently earn more from day one, that earnings difference could matter over time—especially if graduate school isn't in the immediate plan.

Where California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Stands

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

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (estimated ±10%)Other public health programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (29 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$39,078*—$14,000*—
National UniversitySan Diego$13,320$52,057*$49,794$37,469*0.72
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley$14,850$48,351*$67,892$11,729*0.24
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara$59,241$47,274*$62,238$24,500*0.52
California Baptist UniversityRiverside$39,720$46,263*—$35,287*0.76
California State University-ChicoChico$8,064$45,339*—$20,750*0.46
National Median—$37,548*—$26,000*0.69
* Estimated from similar programs

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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, approximately 18% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 16 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.