Public Health at The University of Alabama

Alabama's public health program produces graduates who earn slightly less than the national median ($35,698 vs. $37,548), but the story looks different in-state. Among Alabama's four public health programs, this ranks above the state median and actually outpaces UAB, the larger health sciences campus. The $25,000 debt load matches the state median exactly and sits reasonably close to national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70—manageable for a field that typically requires additional credentials for significant career advancement.

The challenge here is less about the debt burden and more about the starting salary trajectory in public health. At roughly $36,000, graduates face a tight first year financially, particularly if they're pursuing graduate education while working. However, public health roles often involve government or nonprofit employers with loan forgiveness programs and stable benefits that raw salary figures don't capture. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests consistent, if not spectacular, outcomes.

For Alabama families, this represents a solid regional option that won't bury students in debt, especially compared to pricier private alternatives. If your child is committed to public health and plans to stay in Alabama, this program delivers competitive preparation without the premium price tag. Just ensure they have a clear plan for either entering the workforce immediately or funding graduate school, since a bachelor's alone has ceiling limitations in this field.