Analysis
Rollins charges private school prices for a public health bachelor's that, based on comparable Florida programs, produces first-year earnings around $34,789—roughly $3,000 below the national median for this major. With an estimated $27,000 in debt, graduates would face monthly loan payments of about $300, which represents nearly 10% of their gross income. That's manageable on paper, but it leaves minimal cushion for a field where entry-level salaries often cluster in the low-to-mid thirties.
The real concern is how Rollins stacks up against alternatives. Several Florida public health programs report significantly higher outcomes: St. Petersburg College grads start above $51,000, while Florida Gulf Coast—a public university—hits nearly $36,000. Even allowing for differences in methodology or graduate profiles, paying private tuition at Rollins means betting that the school's smaller classes and selectivity (41% admission rate, 1304 SAT) translate into career advantages that similar programs don't provide. Public health roles often care more about internship experience and specific skills than institutional prestige.
If your child is passionate about public health and Rollins offers unique research opportunities or professional connections in the Orlando area that could accelerate their career, the premium might justify itself. Otherwise, investigate whether less expensive Florida programs—particularly those with stronger reported earnings—might deliver better value for building a public health career.
Where Rollins College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $58,300 | $34,789* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $2,682 | $51,565* | $47,932 | $29,125* | 0.56 | |
| $24,136 | $42,637* | $42,069 | $57,132* | 1.34 | |
| $16,088 | $38,685* | $50,364 | $48,696* | 1.26 | |
| $6,118 | $35,724* | $42,676 | $19,295* | 0.54 | |
| $15,117 | $35,433* | — | $40,809* | 1.15 | |
| National Median | — | $37,548* | — | $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 Rollins College, 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 12 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.