Analysis
Indiana's public health bachelor's programs typically produce first-year earnings around $43,000, which is where graduates from similar programs at Taylor would likely land. At an estimated $27,000 in debt, you're looking at a manageable borrowing load—about seven months of gross income to repay. That's notably higher than the $23,860 typical debt burden for Indiana public health programs, but still within reasonable territory for a health-focused degree that often serves as a stepping stone to graduate work or professional certifications.
The challenge with public health at the bachelor's level is that many higher-paying positions require additional credentials. Peer programs across Indiana show relatively tight clustering in the low-$40,000s for entry-level work, suggesting the field has fairly standardized starting wages regardless of institution. Taylor's private school premium appears modest here—you're getting the school's distinctives (smaller classes, faith integration, residential experience) but paying marginally more in debt for similar career outcomes to what state universities deliver.
The debt-to-earnings ratio works practically, but understand you're investing in a foundation rather than immediate earning power. If your student plans to stop at a bachelor's degree and enter the workforce directly, this positioning makes sense. If graduate school is on the horizon, factor that additional borrowing into your calculations now, since many public health careers peak with an MPH credential.
Where Taylor University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,104 | $43,073* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $9,992 | $45,274* | $54,930 | $21,500* | 0.47 | |
| $8,179 | $43,356* | $47,980 | $27,334* | 0.63 | |
| $11,790 | $42,790* | $60,955 | $19,689* | 0.46 | |
| $10,449 | $42,152* | $48,634 | $22,220* | 0.53 | |
| 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 Taylor University, approximately 13% 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 4 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.