Analysis
In Texas, public health bachelor's programs produce a wide range of outcomes—from near-poverty wages to solid middle-class starts—and the figures from comparable programs suggest Texas A&M-San Antonio lands near the bottom of that spectrum. Similar programs in the state typically yield first-year earnings around $35,100, which trails the national median by about $2,400. That's roughly $3,000 per month before taxes for a four-year degree, enough to live independently in San Antonio but with little margin for error.
The estimated $23,800 in debt sits slightly below the state average and creates a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio based on these figures. What's more concerning is the opportunity cost: peer programs at Texas A&M-College Station start around $39,600, and East Texas A&M graduates average $44,600—suggesting that where you earn your public health degree in Texas matters significantly for initial career outcomes.
For parents, the question isn't whether this program is terrible—it's whether it makes sense when higher-earning alternatives exist in the same state system. If your student is place-bound to San Antonio or benefits from this campus's accessibility (note the 92% admission rate and high Pell enrollment), these estimated outcomes suggest a viable but financially modest path. If commuting or relocating to College Station is feasible, the data suggests that investment would likely pay dividends in those critical first years after graduation.
Where Texas A&M University-San Antonio Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,548 | $35,119* | — | $23,789* | — | |
| — | $99,671* | — | $30,500* | 0.31 | |
| $10,026 | $44,621* | — | $23,328* | 0.52 | |
| $13,099 | $39,584* | — | $18,856* | 0.48 | |
| $35,660 | $37,319* | — | $31,000* | 0.83 | |
| $11,728 | $37,043* | — | $20,108* | 0.54 | |
| 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 Texas A&M University-San Antonio, approximately 51% 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 15 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.