Analysis
Public health programs in New Jersey cluster around a predictable earnings range, and Rowan's estimated outcomes—drawn from comparable programs in the state—land right in the middle. The projected $44,423 first-year salary sits above the national median for public health bachelor's degrees ($37,548), which makes sense given New Jersey's higher cost of living and healthcare sector wages. The estimated $26,000 in debt matches both state and national medians for this field, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59—manageable by most standards.
The challenge is that public health bachelor's degrees are notoriously broad, serving as entry points to everything from community health coordinator roles to pre-med prerequisites. Without actual graduate outcomes from Rowan specifically, you're making assumptions about both the typical career path of their students and how well the program positions them within New Jersey's competitive health landscape. The tight clustering among state schools (Rutgers at $45,408, Stockton at $44,423, Montclair at $34,032) suggests regional factors matter more than institutional reputation in early earnings.
The estimated figures suggest reasonable financial footing if your child knows what they want to do with this degree. But given the uncertainty, ask hard questions about internship networks, graduate school preparation, and career placement—those details matter more when you can't verify outcomes directly.
Where Rowan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (9 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,700 | $44,423* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $17,239 | $45,408* | $60,468 | $26,000* | 0.57 | |
| $15,532 | $44,423* | $47,889 | $26,000* | 0.59 | |
| $14,766 | $34,032* | $48,201 | $27,000* | 0.79 | |
| 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 Rowan University, approximately 31% 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 3 similar programs in NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.