Public Health at Murray State University

Murray State's Public Health program appears to deliver slightly above-average outcomes, though the small graduating class size means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. At $38,753 in first-year earnings, graduates earn modestly more than both the state median ($36,284) and national median ($37,548), placing the program in the 60th percentile statewide. Among Kentucky's six public health programs, Murray State graduates out-earn those from larger institutions like University of Louisville and Eastern Kentucky University.

The debt picture is manageable but not exceptional. With $26,000 in median debt—matching the national median but slightly above Kentucky's $23,250—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 means graduates owe about eight months of their first year's salary. That's reasonable for entry-level public health work, where salaries typically grow with experience and additional certifications.

The real limitation here is program size. With fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, a handful of students landing particularly good or difficult job placements could swing these numbers considerably. If you're considering Murray State for public health, the moderate debt and slightly above-average starting salary suggest reasonable value, but recognize these figures may not hold for your child's cohort. The program appears solid for students who want to stay in Kentucky and can graduate close to this debt level.