Public Health at California State University-Chico

Cal State Chico's public health program punches well above its weight. With a 94% admission rate, this is one of the most accessible pathways to earning $45,339 right after graduation—substantially more than the national median of $37,548 and ranking in the 91st percentile nationally. While UC Berkeley and National University edge it out in California, Chico sits comfortably in the top tier of the state's 29 programs, landing at the 60th percentile. For a regional CSU, that's impressive company.

The debt picture requires context. At $20,750, graduates owe more than California's median of $15,265, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 remains manageable—you're looking at roughly five months of gross income to cover the total debt. Given that 40% of students receive Pell grants, many families here are financing education with limited resources, so that higher borrowing makes sense. The real win is that those loans translate into earnings that significantly outperform expectations.

For families seeking both accessibility and results, this program delivers. Your child can gain admission without stress, graduate with reasonable debt, and immediately earn more than most public health graduates nationwide. That's a solid return on investment, particularly if you're California residents already benefiting from in-state tuition.