Public Health at Kent State University at Trumbull

Kent State Trumbull's public health program outperforms more than half of similar programs nationally and within Ohio—a solid positioning for a regional campus that keeps debt below $29,000. With first-year earnings of $39,159, graduates here earn about $1,300 more than the state median and nearly $1,600 above the national benchmark. That's practical performance without the premium price tag you'd expect from larger campuses.

The debt picture looks reasonable at 0.74 times first-year earnings, meaning graduates need less than nine months of salary to match what they borrowed. Earnings growth to $42,596 by year four suggests graduates are gaining traction in their careers, though they still trail the state's top performer (Bowling Green at $47,019) by a noticeable margin. Interestingly, this Trumbull campus produces identical first-year outcomes to Kent State's main campus, suggesting the regional location doesn't disadvantage graduates in the job market.

For families seeking an affordable entry into public health careers—particularly those who qualify for need-based aid given the 37% Pell population—this program delivers competitive outcomes without requiring relocation to a flagship campus. The earnings won't match top programs, but neither will the lifestyle costs of attending them.