Public Health at Syracuse University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Syracuse University's public health program positions graduates well above the national average, with first-year earnings of $43,280 beating the national median by 15%. The debt load of $27,000 is entirely manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about seven months of gross salary. However, within New York's competitive landscape, this program sits squarely in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, with several CUNY campuses and smaller universities delivering comparable or better outcomes at lower cost.
The real question for parents is whether Syracuse's $27,000 debt burden justifies landing in the middle of New York's public health programs. Hunter College graduates, for instance, earn $4,000 more annually while typically carrying similar debt, though Syracuse offers the private university experience and alumni network that come with a 42% acceptance rate and strong academic profile. For families paying in-state tuition elsewhere or considering CUNY options, those alternatives deserve serious consideration.
This is a solid, if unspectacular, investment for public health careers. Graduates emerge with reasonable debt and earnings that beat most of the country, just not necessarily their New York neighbors. If your student is drawn to Syracuse's campus environment and broader opportunities, the premium is defensible—but purely on career outcomes, cheaper New York alternatives deliver similar or better returns.
Where Syracuse University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Syracuse University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Syracuse University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 81th percentile of all public health bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (43 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University | $43,280 | — | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| CUNY Hunter College | $47,444 | $61,535 | — | — |
| Nazareth University | $46,442 | — | $26,000 | 0.56 |
| Cornell University | $44,516 | — | $12,133 | 0.27 |
| Monroe University | $43,383 | $43,935 | $30,904 | 0.71 |
| CUNY York College | $43,000 | $43,367 | $13,000 | 0.30 |
| National Median | $37,548 | — | $26,000 | 0.69 |
Other Public Health Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Hunter College New York | $7,382 | $47,444 | — |
| Nazareth University Rochester | $40,880 | $46,442 | $26,000 |
| Cornell University Ithaca | $66,014 | $44,516 | $12,133 |
| Monroe University Bronx | $17,922 | $43,383 | $30,904 |
| CUNY York College Jamaica | $7,358 | $43,000 | $13,000 |
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 Syracuse University, approximately 16% 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 70 graduates with reported earnings and 100 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.