Public Health at Middle Tennessee State University

MTSU's public health program posts troubling first-year earnings of just $30,321—nearly $7,000 below the national median and $4,000 below Tennessee's typical outcome. While this ranks in the 40th percentile among Tennessee programs (so roughly middle-of-the-pack in-state), it lands in the bottom 5% nationally. For context, East Tennessee State University's public health graduates earn $38,435 in their first year, demonstrating that Tennessee schools can deliver significantly better outcomes in this field.

The debt picture offers modest relief: at $27,758, borrowing is close to national and state averages, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. However, that's a technical threshold rather than a practical comfort—graduates would still dedicate nearly their entire first year's salary to paying off loans. These earnings are particularly concerning given public health's typical career trajectory, where entry-level positions often require graduate credentials for meaningful advancement.

If your child is committed to public health at MTSU, they should minimize borrowing aggressively and have a clear plan for either immediate employment with specific salary expectations or graduate school funding. The combination of below-average starting earnings and moderate debt means this program requires careful financial planning to avoid becoming a burden rather than a launchpad.