Public Health at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan's public health program places graduates solidly in the middle of the pack, but the debt load tells a more concerning story. While first-year earnings of $38,781 beat both the national median ($37,548) and Michigan's median ($36,181), graduates carry $35,000 in debt—nearly $10,000 above what's typical for this degree both nationally and statewide. That 0.90 debt-to-earnings ratio means students are borrowing almost a full year's salary, which creates a tighter financial squeeze than most public health programs deliver.

The real challenge becomes clear when you look at Oakland University's public health program just 30 miles away, where graduates earn $59,330—more than 50% higher. Even recognizing that Oakland may draw different students or offer specialized tracks, that gap is substantial enough to warrant serious consideration of alternatives. Eastern Michigan serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (37%), so families should carefully calculate whether this debt burden is manageable on a sub-$40,000 starting salary.

One important caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably. For families committed to Eastern Michigan for location or cost reasons, this program isn't a disaster—earnings are respectable and above-average for Michigan. But if you're taking on significant debt, exploring other Michigan programs that deliver stronger early earnings would be prudent financial planning.