Analysis
North Carolina A&T's public health graduates earn $58,660 in their first year—substantially outpacing every other program in the state, including Duke ($45,921) and UNC Greensboro ($42,239). This places them in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide, an impressive outcome for a program serving predominantly first-generation and lower-income students. While the estimated debt of $25,625 is based on similar programs at the institution rather than actual graduate data, it aligns closely with state benchmarks and produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44.
The standout performance here suggests North Carolina A&T has built strong employer pipelines or curricula that translate directly into well-paying positions—perhaps in healthcare administration, epidemiology, or government public health roles where bachelor's-level positions are increasingly competitive. The $21,000+ earnings premium over the state median for public health programs represents real money that accelerates debt payoff and financial stability.
For families weighing this investment, the combination of exceptional earnings outcomes and reasonable estimated debt makes this program stand out sharply from peers. Even accounting for the uncertainty around the debt figure, the earnings advantage is substantial enough to provide a meaningful cushion. If your student is drawn to public health work and can gain admission, this program appears to deliver concrete career launch that justifies the cost.
Where North Carolina A & T State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How North Carolina A & T State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,748 | $58,660 | — | $25,625* | — | |
| $65,805 | $45,921 | — | $12,500* | 0.27 | |
| $7,593 | $42,239 | $40,000 | $25,500* | 0.60 | |
| $44,536 | $42,088 | $45,011 | $20,500* | 0.49 | |
| $6,542 | $38,198 | — | $31,000* | 0.81 | |
| $7,317 | $36,458 | $42,907 | $23,500* | 0.64 | |
| National Median | — | $37,548 | — | $26,000* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates
Physicists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Genetic Counselors
Epidemiologists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Environmental Restoration Planners
Industrial Ecologists
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At North Carolina A & T State University, approximately 51% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 14 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.