Analysis
Southern Connecticut State's public health program starts slowly but shows real momentum, with graduates earning $35,797 initially before jumping to $48,833 by year four—a 36% increase that outpaces typical career progression in this field. That fourth-year number moves graduates well past Connecticut's state median and closes the gap with top-performing programs nationally.
The state context matters here: while this program sits at the 60th percentile within Connecticut, it actually matches the state median exactly for first-year earnings. With only four programs to choose from in Connecticut, this represents a solid middle option at a school with accessible admissions and reasonable debt ($25,000, slightly below state and national medians). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 is manageable, particularly given the strong earnings trajectory.
The moderate sample size means these numbers reflect real outcomes but could shift year to year. For families prioritizing in-state tuition and a clear path to earnings growth, this program delivers practical value. The initial salary requires patience, but graduates who stay in the field see meaningful financial progress within just a few years.
Where Southern Connecticut State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Connecticut State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Connecticut State University | $35,797 | $48,833 | +36% |
| Montana Technological University | $74,771 | $82,190 | +10% |
| Johns Hopkins University | $36,540 | $77,335 | +112% |
| Illinois State University | $59,207 | $76,175 | +29% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $48,351 | $67,892 | +40% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Public Health bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven | $12,828 | $35,797 | $48,833 | $25,000 | 0.70 |
 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston | — | $99,671 | — | $30,500 | 0.31 |
 Utah State UniversityLogan | $9,228 | $76,451 | — | — | — |
 Brown UniversityProvidence | $68,230 | $75,909 | $61,595 | $11,760 | 0.15 |
 Montana Technological UniversityButte | $8,050 | $74,771 | $82,190 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 Oakland UniversityRochester Hills | $14,694 | $59,330 | $60,142 | $30,750 | 0.52 |
| 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 Southern Connecticut State University, approximately 37% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 82 graduates with reported earnings and 127 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.