Public Health at Texas Southern University

The four-year earnings of $47,286 tell a more optimistic story than the estimated first-year figure of $35,119, which sits right at the Texas median for public health programs. That growth—a 35% jump—suggests graduates find their footing after those initial months, though it takes time. The estimated debt of $23,789 is manageable relative to that four-year mark, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that should work for most borrowers. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants, Texas Southern serves students who may have limited alternatives, and this program appears to deliver reasonable value for that population.

The challenge is the wide variance among Texas programs. While comparable schools typically produce these earnings, top programs like UT MD Anderson more than double that outcome. The question isn't whether this degree will lead to employment—public health jobs exist and this program seems to place graduates—but whether it positions students competitively. For a family weighing this against other Texas options, the trajectory matters more than the starting point. If your child can access higher-performing programs, the earnings gap compounds significantly over a career.

For families committed to Texas Southern specifically, this program won't trap graduates in unmanageable debt, and the earnings growth suggests real career progression. Just understand you're likely banking on mid-range outcomes in a field where institutional reputation creates substantial pay differences.