Public Health at Kennesaw State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Kennesaw State delivers the strongest first-year earnings among Georgia's dozen public health programs, beating even UGA by nearly $3,000. At $42,175, graduates earn about 21% more than the state median and rank in the 75th percentile nationally—meaningful performance for a school with a 69% admission rate. The $28,479 debt load is slightly higher than typical for the state, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 remains manageable, translating to roughly $320 in monthly loan payments against a $3,500 monthly salary.
The premium pricing makes sense given the outcomes advantage. While you're paying about $700 more in debt than the Georgia median, your child would start nearly $7,400 ahead in earnings compared to the typical Georgia public health graduate. That gap could cover several years of the slightly higher loan payments while still leaving graduates ahead financially. The program's national ranking—beating three-quarters of comparable programs—suggests Kennesaw has built something stronger than you'd expect from its accessibility profile.
For families weighing in-state options, this represents the best immediate return in Georgia's public health landscape. The moderate sample size provides reasonable confidence in these numbers, and the combination of manageable debt with top-tier state earnings creates a straightforward value proposition.
Where Kennesaw State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Kennesaw State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Kennesaw State University graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all public health bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | $42,175 | — | $28,479 | 0.68 |
| University of Georgia | $39,534 | $57,204 | $21,500 | 0.54 |
| South University-Savannah Online | $34,789 | — | $56,262 | 1.62 |
| South University-Savannah | $34,789 | — | $56,262 | 1.62 |
| Georgia State University | $34,761 | — | $26,000 | 0.75 |
| Georgia College & State University | $34,113 | $44,854 | $27,000 | 0.79 |
| National Median | $37,548 | — | $26,000 | 0.69 |
Other Public Health Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia Athens | $11,180 | $39,534 | $21,500 |
| South University-Savannah Online Savannah | $16,546 | $34,789 | $56,262 |
| South University-Savannah Savannah | $18,238 | $34,789 | $56,262 |
| Georgia State University Atlanta | $8,478 | $34,761 | $26,000 |
| Georgia College & State University Milledgeville | $8,998 | $34,113 | $27,000 |
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 Kennesaw State University, approximately 35% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.