Analysis
Public health bachelor's programs in New York vary substantially in outcomes, and Long Island University's estimated figures place it squarely in the middle. With first-year earnings around $39,164—matching the state median—graduates from comparable programs can expect to earn roughly what their peers at similar schools make. That's below what Hunter College or Cornell graduates typically see ($47,444 and $44,516 respectively), but it tracks with the national picture for this major.
The estimated $26,500 in debt produces a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates from similar programs would need about eight months of gross pay to cover their loans. That's reasonable for a bachelor's degree, though it assumes graduates secure employment quickly in their field. Public health careers often require additional credentials or experience to move into higher-paying roles, which means these first-year figures may not tell the complete story about long-term value.
For parents, the key question is trajectory: Public health bachelor's degrees frequently serve as stepping stones to graduate programs in epidemiology, health administration, or related fields rather than terminal credentials. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, similar programs suggest they'll earn modestly but manageably relative to debt. If grad school is likely, factor that additional borrowing into your calculations before committing to this path.
Where Long Island University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (43 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,642 | $39,164* | — | $26,500* | — | |
| $7,382 | $47,444* | $61,535 | —* | — | |
| $40,880 | $46,442* | — | $26,000* | 0.56 | |
| $66,014 | $44,516* | — | $12,133* | 0.27 | |
| $17,922 | $43,383* | $43,935 | $30,904* | 0.71 | |
| $63,061 | $43,280* | — | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $37,548* | — | $26,000* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates
Physicists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Genetic Counselors
Epidemiologists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Environmental Restoration Planners
Industrial Ecologists
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
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 Long Island University, approximately 19% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 17 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.