Public Health at Everglades University

Based on comparable programs in Florida, a Public Health bachelor's degree at Everglades University appears positioned at the lower end of the earnings spectrum. Similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $34,789, which trails the national median by nearly $3,000 and sits well below what graduates from St. Petersburg College ($51,565) or Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale ($42,637) typically earn in their first year. The estimated debt load of $27,000 produces a manageable 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly nine months of gross income—workable but not especially advantageous given the modest starting salary.

What complicates the picture here is that more than half of Everglades students receive Pell grants, suggesting many families are making significant financial stretches for this degree. When peer programs in Florida show such wide variation in outcomes—from the mid-$30,000s to over $50,000—the question becomes whether this particular program offers enough to justify its cost compared to alternatives. Public health bachelor's degrees can lead to steady careers in community health or government agencies, but advancement typically requires either specialized certifications or a graduate degree.

For families considering this investment, the key question is whether Everglades provides distinct advantages—perhaps location, scheduling flexibility, or specific employer connections—that offset what appears to be below-average earning potential compared to other Florida programs in this field.