Public Health at Oakland University

Oakland University's Public Health program stands out dramatically in Michigan's landscape, with graduates earning $60,142 four years out—nearly double the state median of $36,181. This isn't just marginal outperformance; this program ranks in the 95th percentile both nationally and within Michigan, outearning even University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates in this field by $24,000 annually.

The $30,750 median debt sits slightly above state and national benchmarks, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates earn nearly twice what they owe within their first year. That's a manageable payoff timeline that beats most public health programs by a wide margin. The nearly flat earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates land strong positions immediately rather than starting low and climbing—a positive indicator for this field.

For families considering Oakland's accessibility (70% admission rate, reasonable SAT requirements), this represents an unusually strong return. You're getting outcomes that rival or exceed flagship university programs at a more attainable price point. The moderate sample size means the data reflects real graduate experiences, not outliers. If your student is interested in public health and staying in Michigan, this program delivers exceptional value that's hard to match elsewhere in the state.