Analysis
Based on comparable public health programs in North Carolina, Queens graduates can expect first-year earnings around $37,300βlanding right at the state median but well below what graduates from NC A&T ($58,660) or Duke ($45,921) typically command. The estimated $20,500 in debt looks manageable at first glance, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, but this debt figure comes from just three similar programs statewide and may not capture Queens' full cost picture for a bachelor's degree at a private institution.
The earnings estimate itself deserves scrutiny. While it aligns with the national median for public health bachelor's programs, North Carolina's public health job market clearly rewards graduates from certain schools more than others. The $20,000+ earnings gap between the state median and top performers like NC A&T suggests that program reputation, alumni networks, or curriculum focus significantly impact early career outcomes. Without Queens' actual graduate data, you're essentially betting on the average rather than knowing this program's specific track record.
For parents, this program represents an unknown in a field where peer outcomes vary dramatically. If Queens can deliver results closer to UNC-Greensboro or Elonβboth around $42,000βthe investment makes sense. But if outcomes drift toward the lower end of the state range, you're looking at $20,500 in debt for below-median earnings in a competitive market. Request placement data and alumni outcomes directly from Queens before committing.
Where Queens University of Charlotte Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,285 | $37,328* | β | $20,500* | β | |
| $6,748 | $58,660* | β | β* | β | |
| $65,805 | $45,921* | β | $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* | β | $31,000* | 0.81 | |
| National Median | β | $37,548* | β | $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 Queens University of Charlotte, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.