Public Health at La Salle University
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Salle University | $39,400 | $44,951 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
| Franklin and Marshall College | $43,134 | — | $20,875 | 0.48 |
| Temple University | $43,093 | $47,319 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | $42,605 | $47,583 | $26,998 | 0.63 |
| Drexel University | $39,072 | — | $27,000 | 0.69 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | $35,380 | $48,019 | $27,250 | 0.77 |
| National Median | $37,548 | — | $26,000 | 0.69 |
Other Public Health Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.