Public Health at Chapman University

Chapman's Public Health program starts graduates at an alarmingly low $25,007—putting them in the bottom 10% of California programs and dead last in the state among major providers. However, that first-year number tells an incomplete story. By year four, earnings jump to $60,106, surpassing every other California program on the benchmark list and suggesting many graduates initially take low-paying internships or nonprofit positions before transitioning to higher-earning roles in healthcare administration or corporate wellness.

The $23,250 debt load is reasonable and actually below the national median, but that 93% debt-to-earnings ratio in year one creates a tough first year financially. Parents should understand their child will likely need financial support during that initial period—this isn't a program where graduates immediately land $40,000+ salaries. The trajectory matters more than the starting point here, and the 140% earnings growth is exceptional.

The practical question: Can your family manage a year or two of minimal earnings? If so, the long-term payoff appears strong. If your child needs immediate financial independence after graduation, programs at Cal State schools offer more stable—though ultimately lower—starting salaries. Chapman's outcome works for students who can afford patience, but the early financial strain is real.