Public Health at Monroe University

Monroe University's public health program costs more than the typical NY public health degree—about $5,000 more in debt than the state median—but struggles to justify that premium. First-year earnings of $43,383 beat the national median by 15% and land in the 81st percentile nationally, which sounds impressive until you see that among New York's 43 public health programs, this ranks only at the 60th percentile. You're paying above-average debt for middle-of-the-pack results in your own state. For perspective, CUNY Hunter College graduates earn $4,000 more annually with similar or lower debt loads.

The real concern is what happens after graduation: earnings barely budge over four years, growing just 1% from year one to year four. That near-flat trajectory suggests limited advancement opportunities or career mobility for graduates. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 is manageable—you'd owe about eight months of gross salary—but Monroe serves a population where 58% receive Pell grants, meaning many families have limited financial cushion if career growth stalls.

If your child is considering Monroe, compare the total cost carefully against CUNY options. The modest earnings advantage over national programs doesn't translate to competitive positioning within New York's job market, where they'll actually be competing for positions. Monroe isn't a bad outcome, but it's not delivering the value you're paying for relative to other in-state choices.