Location: Ypsilanti, MI•In-State Tuition: $15,510•Admission Rate: 81%•Avg SAT: 1046
Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,781
57th percentile
60th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$35,000
35% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.90 ManageableSample: 21 graduates Limited data

Analysis

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.

Where Eastern Michigan University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally

Eastern Michigan UniversityOther public health programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Eastern Michigan University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Eastern Michigan University earns $39k — 57th percentile among public health bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti$15,510$38,781—$35,0000.90
Oakland UniversityRochester Hills$14,694$59,330$60,142$30,7500.52
University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor$17,228$36,181—$18,9030.52
University of Detroit MercyDetroit$32,300$35,598$44,785$30,9440.87
Wayne State UniversityDetroit$14,297$32,584—$20,5000.63
National Median—$37,548—$26,0000.69

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

$98,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Epidemiologists

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

$78,900/yrJobs growth:
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 Eastern Michigan University, approximately 37% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 21 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.