Public Health at National University

National University's Public Health program commands higher debt than most California competitors, but the earnings justify the premium for students who can navigate its unusual trajectory. Starting at $52,057—ranking in the 80th percentile among California programs—graduates earn nearly $13,000 more than the state median right out of the gate. That's competitive with UC Berkeley and ahead of San Diego State, despite National's status as a for-profit institution.

The tradeoff comes in two forms. First, debt runs about $37,000, which is higher than the $15,265 California median but manageable given the strong starting salary (0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio). Second, earnings dip slightly by year four, suggesting graduates may be shifting roles or working in less lucrative public health positions as they gain experience. This isn't necessarily negative—many public health professionals intentionally move toward mission-driven work—but it's worth understanding before enrollment.

For families comparing options: if your student can attend San Diego State or a Cal State campus with lower debt, that's likely the smarter play given similar mid-career outcomes. But National University's flexibility (designed for working adults) combined with top-quartile starting salaries makes this a viable choice for students who need that scheduling format and can secure financial aid to bring debt closer to $30,000.