Public Health at Lemoore College

Lemoore College's Public Health associate program delivers one of its strongest selling points right in the tuition bill: graduates carry just $7,125 in debt—roughly one-third of what students at similar programs nationally typically owe. That low debt load translates to a remarkably manageable 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their first-year salary. Among California's public health associate programs, earnings here land at the 60th percentile, beating the state median by nearly $1,000 annually.

The earnings trajectory shows steady improvement, growing 15% from $30,446 in year one to $35,119 by year four. While these aren't eye-popping salaries, they're on par with what public health associate degree holders earn nationally. The real advantage is graduating with minimal debt from a program serving a substantial number of Pell grant recipients—students who often have the least room for financial missteps.

For families seeking an affordable entry point into healthcare careers, this program offers exactly what an associate degree should: low financial risk and earnings that match expectations for this credential level. The combination of below-average debt and above-median California earnings makes this a straightforward value proposition.