Public Health at Rasmussen University-Kansas

Rasmussen University-Kansas's public health program costs students nearly $41,000 in debt to earn $35,400 their first year out—significantly more expensive than the typical Kansas public health program, where graduates carry about $32,500 in debt. While this program does outperform the state median salary by roughly $2,000 (landing at the 60th percentile statewide), that modest earnings advantage doesn't justify borrowing an extra $8,000 compared to state peers. The debt load here ranks in the bottom 5% nationally, meaning 95% of public health programs nationwide leave students with less debt.

The numbers are particularly concerning given that over half of Rasmussen's students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from lower-income backgrounds where $41,000 in debt poses real risk. With debt exceeding that first year's salary, graduates will face tight budgets early in their careers—and public health salaries don't typically spike dramatically with experience.

For Kansas families, the comparison is stark: similar outcomes are available at lower cost elsewhere in the state. Unless there are compelling personal circumstances around location or scheduling flexibility, this program's debt burden makes it a hard sell when other Kansas options deliver comparable career preparation without the financial strain.