Public Health at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University's public health program puts graduates ahead of national averages while keeping debt manageable—a combination that's harder to find than you might expect. With first-year earnings of $41,561, graduates outpace the national median by about $4,000, placing this program in the 72nd percentile nationally. Within Arizona, it lands squarely in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, essentially matching what you'd see at ASU or University of Arizona.

The debt picture looks reasonable: $24,250 is slightly below both state and national medians, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58. That means graduates owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary—not trivial, but workable for most budgets. The 22% earnings bump from year one to year four ($50,875) suggests real career progression, though public health roles tend to require patience as professionals build experience and credentials.

For families concerned about ROI, this program delivers predictable results without major red flags. You're paying for a solid state university education and getting outcomes that match or slightly exceed peer institutions. If your student is committed to public health work—understanding this field prioritizes mission over high salaries—NAU provides a cost-effective path into the profession with earnings potential that beats most competitors nationally.