Public Health at Davis & Elkins College

A bachelor's in public health from Davis & Elkins projects estimated first-year earnings of $37,548 against $27,000 in debt—a 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests manageable monthly payments of roughly $300 on a standard plan. What's worth noting is that other public health programs in West Virginia report stronger outcomes: West Virginia University's graduates earn about the same first year, while American Public University System reports significantly higher earnings at $47,100. Given that similar programs in the state typically produce median earnings around $42,000, the estimated $37,548 here falls on the lower end of what comparable programs deliver.

The debt load aligns closely with both state and national medians for public health degrees, which is reassuring. However, the earnings estimate sits at the national median rather than taking advantage of West Virginia's somewhat stronger market for public health graduates. For a field where salaries can vary considerably by employer type and geographic location, starting closer to the bottom of the state range raises questions about whether this particular program connects students to the higher-paying opportunities available in the region.

If your child is committed to public health and prefers Davis & Elkins' environment, the debt burden won't be crushing. But compare carefully against WVU and other state options that appear to position graduates more competitively in the job market—that $5,000-$10,000 difference in starting salary compounds significantly over a career.