Public Health at Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina's public health program starts graduates at a concerning $29,862—landing in the 5th percentile nationally and trailing 60% of South Carolina programs. For a parent helping their child evaluate this degree against other SC options like College of Charleston or USC-Columbia, those first-year numbers tell a tough story. The $27,000 debt load equals the national median but represents nearly a full year's starting salary, which means graduates face genuine financial pressure right out of the gate.

Here's what redeems this program: earnings jump 49% by year four to $44,469, eventually surpassing the national median of $37,548 and most South Carolina competitors. This trajectory suggests the degree opens doors that take time to walk through—perhaps requiring additional certifications or experience before accessing better-paying public health roles. The question is whether your family can weather those lean first years, which might mean living at home or working a second job while building credentials.

The practical reality is that this program requires more financial runway than alternatives. If your child can minimize living expenses during those early career years and is genuinely committed to public health—not just exploring it—the long-term earnings justify the investment. But if affordability in years one and two is a concern, programs like College of Charleston offer better starting salaries with comparable debt levels.