Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Based on comparable public health bachelor's programs across New York, Saint Rose graduates would face about $26,500 in debt while earning roughly $39,000 in their first year—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 that suggests manageable repayment. This estimated first-year salary aligns with both state and national medians for the field, though it trails stronger New York programs like CUNY Hunter College and Nazareth by $7,000-8,000 annually. For a school serving a significant population of Pell recipients, this middle-of-the-road outcome raises questions about whether students are getting competitive preparation for the public health job market.
The debt load itself isn't alarming—it matches what peer programs typically produce—but public health salaries start modestly regardless of where you study. With similar programs in New York showing a wide earnings spread (from $39,000 to $47,000+), the school you attend matters. The challenge here is that without actual outcome data for Saint Rose specifically, you're relying on statewide averages that may not reflect this particular program's placement success or alumni network strength.
For parents, the key question is whether Saint Rose offers advantages that justify choosing it over programs with documented stronger earnings. At 73% admission, this isn't a highly selective program, and the estimated outcomes suggest typical rather than exceptional results. If your student has options at CUNY or other programs showing actual earnings in the mid-$40,000s, those represent clearer value.
Where The College of Saint Rose Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (43 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,452 | $39,164* | — | $26,500* | — | |
| $7,382 | $47,444* | $61,535 | —* | — | |
| $40,880 | $46,442* | — | $26,000* | 0.56 | |
| $66,014 | $44,516* | — | $12,133* | 0.27 | |
| $17,922 | $43,383* | $43,935 | $30,904* | 0.71 | |
| $63,061 | $43,280* | — | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| 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 The College of Saint Rose, approximately 39% 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 17 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.