Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,400
60th percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$27,000
4% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.69
Manageable
Sample Size
25
Limited data

Analysis

La Salle's public health program delivers outcomes right at the Pennsylvania median, with graduates earning $39,400 initially and reaching $44,951 after four years—a solid 14% increase that outpaces typical inflation. The manageable $27,000 debt load (30th percentile nationally, meaning lower than most programs) creates a workable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69. While these numbers won't match what Franklin and Marshall or Temple graduates see, they're respectable for a public health bachelor's degree, landing exactly at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark.

The caveat here matters: this data comes from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances likely vary more than these medians suggest. Still, the fundamentals make sense—debt stays reasonable, earnings grow steadily, and outcomes align with what Pennsylvania's public health programs typically deliver. For students interested in this field who value La Salle's urban Philadelphia location and community-focused mission, this represents a middle-of-the-pack investment.

The practical takeaway: This program won't fast-track your child to top earnings in public health, but it provides a financially viable path into the field without crushing debt. The modest debt burden gives graduates flexibility to pursue public health careers in nonprofit or government settings where earnings may start lower but offer other rewards.

Where La Salle University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally

La Salle UniversityOther public health programs

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 La Salle University graduates compare to all programs nationally

La Salle University graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 60th percentile of all public health bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (28 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
La Salle University$39,400$44,951$27,0000.69
Franklin and Marshall College$43,134$20,8750.48
Temple University$43,093$47,319$27,0000.63
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania$42,605$47,583$26,9980.63
Drexel University$39,072$27,0000.69
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania$35,380$48,019$27,2500.77
National Median$37,548$26,0000.69

Other Public Health Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Franklin and Marshall College
Lancaster
$68,380$43,134$20,875
Temple University
Philadelphia
$22,082$43,093$27,000
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock
$10,507$42,605$26,998
Drexel University
Philadelphia
$60,663$39,072$27,000
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg
$11,036$35,380$27,250

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 La Salle University, approximately 33% 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 25 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.