Analysis
Based on comparable public health programs in Indiana, first-year earnings around $43,000 would place Goshen's graduates near the state median—a solid landing point for a bachelor's degree in this field. The estimated $27,000 in debt, while slightly above Indiana's typical $23,860, still produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary.
What's worth noting is that Indiana's public health programs cluster tightly in the $42,000-$45,000 range, with Purdue and IU campuses all reporting similar outcomes. This suggests the state's job market for entry-level public health positions tends to stabilize around these figures regardless of institution. Nationally, the estimated earnings here exceed the typical $37,548, though the debt level tracks closely with the national median of $26,000.
The challenge with small-cohort programs like this one is that actual outcomes could vary considerably from these estimates drawn from peer institutions. However, the projected debt burden appears reasonable for a field where many graduates pursue additional credentials or work in nonprofit settings. For families evaluating this investment, the key question is whether Goshen's distinctive educational environment—a small, Mennonite-affiliated college serving a substantial number of Pell-eligible students—offers value beyond what the numbers alone can capture.
Where Goshen College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,760 | $43,073* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $9,992 | $45,274* | $54,930 | $21,500* | 0.47 | |
| $8,179 | $43,356* | $47,980 | $27,334* | 0.63 | |
| $11,790 | $42,790* | $60,955 | $19,689* | 0.46 | |
| $10,449 | $42,152* | $48,634 | $22,220* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $37,548* | — | $26,000* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates
Physicists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Genetic Counselors
Epidemiologists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Environmental Restoration Planners
Industrial Ecologists
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Goshen College, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.