Public Health at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern's public health program sits in an uncomfortable middle ground—it's more expensive than most competing programs nationally while delivering below-average earnings. First-year graduates earn $33,716, placing them in just the 20th percentile nationally and 40th percentile among Georgia schools. That $28,500 in typical debt exceeds both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 that will require careful budgeting in those early career years.

The 22% earnings growth to $41,112 by year four helps close the gap somewhat, but graduates still trail peers from Kennesaw State ($42,175) and UGA ($39,534) throughout their careers. Within Georgia's public health landscape, this program performs near the middle of the pack despite its cost disadvantage. The institution's 90% admission rate and accessible profile serve students who might not gain entry elsewhere, but families should recognize they're paying a premium relative to outcomes.

For students committed to public health and drawn to Georgia Southern's campus environment, this program can work—the earnings trajectory shows steady growth and the debt remains manageable with discipline. However, if cost is a primary concern, exploring Georgia State (similar earnings at potentially lower cost) or investing in the more selective UGA program might deliver better returns. The key question is whether Southern's specific opportunities justify accepting lower initial earnings than you'd find at peer institutions.