Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Saint Augustine's University

A bachelor's degree in health sciences carrying $27,000 in debt sounds reasonable on paper, but the earnings trajectory here raises questions. While similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,000, four-year outcomes at Saint Augustine's show graduates earning roughly the same amount—$34,473—suggesting limited salary progression in those critical early career years. For context, other health sciences programs in North Carolina typically produce first-year earnings closer to $39,500, about $4,000 more annually than what peer programs suggest for this credential.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 falls within manageable territory, meaning graduates would owe less than a year's salary. However, this calculation assumes the estimated starting salary materializes, and the flat earnings curve through year four complicates repayment planning. At $34,000 annually with typical loan payments, graduates will likely need to live frugally or rely on income-driven repayment plans, particularly concerning given that 52% of students here receive Pell grants and may have limited family financial support.

Before committing, compare this program directly with other health sciences options in the Raleigh area. The four-year earnings figure is actual data from Saint Augustine's graduates, and that stagnation is a concrete data point worth investigating—does the program lead to positions with advancement potential, or are graduates clustering in roles with limited mobility? That conversation with the career services office matters more than the estimated starting salary.