Analysis
Illinois State's public health graduates earn nearly 60% more than the typical graduate from similar programs nationwide—$59,207 versus $37,548—placing this program in the 95th percentile nationally and ahead of higher-profile institutions like Northwestern and UIUC. At a school with an 89% admission rate, these outcomes are exceptional. Even within Illinois, where public health programs generally outperform national averages, ISU ranks in the 80th percentile for earnings.
The debt picture adds to the appeal: at $22,250, graduates carry slightly less debt than both the state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38. Within a year, most graduates earn nearly three times their borrowed amount. Strong earnings growth—nearly 29% by year four—suggests career momentum rather than stagnation, with median pay climbing to over $76,000.
For families seeking a practical health-focused degree without the price tag or admissions pressure of elite universities, this is compelling. The combination of accessible admission, manageable debt, and earnings that rival or exceed programs at more selective schools makes ISU's public health program a standout value in Illinois.
Where Illinois State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Illinois State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois State University | $59,207 | $76,175 | +29% |
| Montana Technological University | $74,771 | $82,190 | +10% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $40,564 | $61,751 | +52% |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $41,585 | $46,816 | +13% |
| Governors State University | $36,537 | $33,380 | -9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Illinois State UniversityNormal | $16,021 | $59,207 | $76,175 | $22,250 | 0.38 |
 University of Illinois ChicagoChicago | $14,338 | $41,585 | $46,816 | $22,987 | 0.55 |
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $40,564 | $61,751 | $20,678 | 0.51 |
 Northwestern UniversityEvanston | $65,997 | $39,956 | — | $14,684 | 0.37 |
 Governors State UniversityUniversity Park | $11,320 | $36,537 | $33,380 | $23,000 | 0.63 |
 Rasmussen University-IllinoisRockford | $13,546 | $35,433 | — | $40,809 | 1.15 |
| 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 Illinois State University, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 60 graduates with reported earnings and 65 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.