Public Health at Plymouth State University

Plymouth State's public health program produces graduates earning around $34,000—about $3,500 below the national median and $2,600 below New Hampshire's typical outcomes for this degree. More troubling is the negative trajectory: earnings actually decline slightly by year four, suggesting graduates may struggle to advance in their careers. With $27,000 in debt, you're looking at a debt load that equals 79% of first-year earnings, making the financial picture tighter than most bachelor's degrees warrant.

The small sample size here matters. With fewer than 30 graduates in this data set, these numbers could shift significantly with just a handful of different outcomes. That said, the pattern of below-average starting pay combined with stagnant earnings raises questions about whether this program is preparing students for the kinds of public health roles that offer better compensation and career growth. For comparison, Southern New Hampshire University's public health graduates earn $45,910—nearly $12,000 more—suggesting that program choice within the state makes a real difference.

If your child is set on public health, push them to understand exactly what career paths Plymouth State's program typically leads to. Are graduates landing entry-level administrative roles, or are they competing for positions that require additional credentials? At this price point and with these outcomes, this program needs to make a compelling case about its unique value.