Public Health at Ferris State University

Based on comparable public health programs in Michigan, Ferris State graduates likely start around $36,000—right at the state median but nearly $4,000 below the national benchmark of $37,548. That's a meaningful gap when you're trying to manage debt, particularly since Michigan's public health starting salaries already trail national figures.

The estimated $20,500 in debt, however, is notably lower than both the state median ($25,625) and national median ($26,000). That gives this program better financial positioning than it might initially appear. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 suggests manageable payments, with monthly obligations staying under 10% of gross income in most scenarios. Similar Michigan programs like Eastern Michigan and Wayne State are producing outcomes in this same range, though Oakland University stands as an outlier with significantly higher early earnings.

The bigger question is whether public health bachelor's degrees provide sufficient career runway. These roles often require additional credentials for advancement, and starting in the mid-$30s doesn't leave much cushion for further education costs. If your child is committed to this field and plans to stay in Michigan, Ferris's lower debt load relative to peer programs is a legitimate advantage. Just ensure they understand that this degree may be a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential.