Public Health at South University-Austin

South University-Austin's public health program saddles graduates with more than double the debt load of typical Texas programs while delivering below-average earnings. At $56,262 in student debt versus just $34,789 in first-year earnings, graduates face a debt burden that ranks among the worst 5% nationally—a ratio of 1.62 that will take years to overcome on a public health salary.

The earnings picture offers little relief. While the program lands at the 40th percentile among Texas schools, that still means graduates earn less than their peers at UT Arlington, Texas A&M, and even the state median of $35,119. More concerning is the national comparison: this program ranks in just the 25th percentile, with graduates earning roughly $7,000 less than the national median. Meanwhile, the school serves a predominantly low-income population (54% Pell recipients), making this debt burden particularly problematic for students who can least afford it.

For families considering this program, the math doesn't work. Texas offers 26 public health programs, many with half the debt and better earnings outcomes. Unless your child has specific circumstances tying them to this location, the combination of high debt and modest earnings makes this a risky investment in a field where starting salaries are already modest.