Public Health at Radford University

Radford's public health bachelor's program carries below-average debt for this field—$21,323 versus a $27,000 state median—though estimated first-year earnings of $36,641 place graduates near the bottom of Virginia's range. Based on comparable programs across the state, this translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary. That's reasonable for a public health degree, though it's worth noting that peer programs at George Mason and Bryant & Stratton report slightly higher starting salaries while their graduates typically carry more debt.

The challenge with public health bachelor's degrees is that many higher-paying positions require a master's degree, so these $36,600 first-year figures may represent entry-level roles rather than career peaks. Virginia's public health programs cluster tightly around this salary range—the gap between top and bottom reported programs is only about $2,800—suggesting fairly consistent entry-level outcomes regardless of which school students choose. For families focused on keeping undergraduate debt low while a student tests their interest in the field, Radford's lighter debt load offers some breathing room for potential graduate school plans.

The accessible admission profile (91% acceptance rate, 35% Pell-eligible students) suggests Radford serves students who might otherwise struggle to access four-year programs. If your child is certain about public health and plans to pursue graduate education, borrowing $21,000 to establish this foundation is defensible, but clarify their career timeline before committing.