Public Health at Malone University

Malone's Public Health bachelor's comes with an estimated $27,000 in debt—right at the state median—but the real question is what that debt buys in terms of earning power. Based on comparable programs in Ohio, graduates typically earn around $37,900 in their first year, which translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71. That's manageable territory, roughly three-quarters of a year's salary, though it means loan payments will take a noticeable bite out of early paychecks.

The challenge here is that similar programs across Ohio show dramatic variation in outcomes. Kent State and Bowling Green grads typically earn $39,000 to $47,000 right out of the gate, suggesting that program structure, internship networks, or employer connections can make a significant difference. Without actual data on Malone's specific outcomes—suppressed because the graduate cohort is too small—parents can't know whether this program tracks closer to the stronger performers or sits below the state average.

The practical reality: you're looking at comparable debt to peer programs but no clear evidence of where graduates actually land. For a field where first-year salaries cluster tightly around $38,000 nationally, that $27,000 in loans is workable but leaves little margin for error. If your student is committed to public health, dig into Malone's specific placement records and employer relationships before committing—the estimates suggest an average outcome, but you need to verify that this particular program delivers it.