Public Health at Elon University

Elon's public health program delivers solid early earnings at $42,088—above both the national and North Carolina medians for this field—while keeping debt significantly lower than average. At $20,500 in median debt, graduates owe about $5,500 less than the typical public health student nationally, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 that allows most graduates to handle their loans comfortably on an entry-level salary.

The program ranks in the 60th percentile among North Carolina's 20 public health programs, placing it in the top half but well behind standouts like NC A&T and Duke. However, comparing first-year earnings to schools like UNC Greensboro (which earns just $150 more per year) reveals Elon's real advantage: you're getting comparable outcomes with substantially less debt. Earnings growth of 7% over four years is modest but steady, suggesting stable career progression rather than dramatic advancement.

For families willing to pay Elon's private tuition, this program represents a reasonable investment if their student values the university's overall experience. The lower debt burden helps offset what's likely a higher sticker price before financial aid. Just keep in mind that public health bachelor's degrees typically lead to mid-range salaries regardless of institution—many professionals in this field pursue graduate degrees to increase earning potential.