Analysis
Similar public health programs in Minnesota suggest first-year earnings around $38,500, which tracks closely with the national median for this bachelor's degree. With estimated debt of $27,000, that puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.70—manageable by standard measures but not exceptional. The reality is that public health bachelor's degrees generally start modestly across the board, whether at Concordia-Saint Paul or larger state universities.
What's worth noting is the range among Minnesota's public health programs. Reported outcomes at Winona State and Walden show graduates earning in the mid-$40,000s, roughly $6,000-8,000 more than comparable programs suggest for Concordia-Saint Paul. That gap matters when you're carrying similar debt loads. The field itself isn't known for high early earnings—this is public service work, often with nonprofits or local health departments—so starting position and location can significantly affect that first paycheck.
For parents considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest a reasonable but not standout investment. The debt burden won't be crushing, but it won't be quickly retired either. Since these figures are estimates based on peer programs rather than Concordia-Saint Paul's actual graduate outcomes, you'll want to ask the school directly about job placement rates and typical employers. In public health, where you land often matters more than where you studied.
Where Concordia University-Saint Paul Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $38,475* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $10,498 | $46,250* | $50,899 | $20,966* | 0.45 | |
| $12,498 | $44,285* | $48,167 | $45,793* | 1.03 | |
| $49,758 | $42,407* | $48,071 | $29,815* | 0.70 | |
| $52,284 | $38,475* | $59,475 | $27,000* | 0.70 | |
| $14,318 | $36,520* | — | $26,000* | 0.71 | |
| National Median | — | $37,548* | — | $26,000* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates
Physicists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Genetic Counselors
Epidemiologists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Environmental Restoration Planners
Industrial Ecologists
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
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 Concordia University-Saint Paul, approximately 34% 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 7 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.