Public Health at Emporia State University

Emporia State's public health program lands in the bottom 5% nationally for earnings, with first-year graduates earning just $31,547—about $6,000 below the national median. While the program falls in the middle of Kansas rankings (40th percentile), that's largely because Kansas has only four public health programs and lower earnings overall. The modest $24,250 debt load offers some relief, coming in below both state and national medians, but graduates are still borrowing about 77% of what they'll earn in their first year.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these numbers could shift significantly with more data. That said, the 16% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests some career progression, though graduates still earn $36,570 after four years, well below what peers at higher-ranked programs achieve much earlier. For context, even Rasmussen University's Kansas program shows better first-year outcomes at $35,433.

For anxious parents, the question is whether $24,250 in debt makes sense when your child will likely start around $31,500. That's manageable debt for most borrowers, but the low earning potential means limited financial flexibility early on. If your student is committed to public health and cost-conscious, this beats pricier alternatives. But if stronger career prospects matter more, look at programs performing better nationally or consider whether this field aligns with your family's financial goals.