Public Health at Truman State University

A $30,911 starting salary puts Truman State's public health program near the bottom nationally—just the 5th percentile—but slightly below the Missouri median of $33,863. That's a significant gap when you're carrying over $23,000 in debt. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 looks manageable on paper, you're starting from an unusually low base. University of Missouri-Columbia graduates in this field earn $6,000 more right out of the gate, which compounds dramatically over time and makes loan repayment considerably easier.

The moderate sample size suggests these outcomes are reasonably reliable, and the admission profile indicates Truman State attracts solid students (1249 SAT average). Yet something isn't translating to competitive career outcomes in public health. Whether it's placement support, curriculum focus, or regional employer connections, graduates here are launching at a disadvantage compared to peers elsewhere in Missouri and well below the national norm.

For families considering this program, the numbers warrant serious pause. Public health careers often require graduate education anyway, and starting with below-market earnings while managing undergraduate debt makes that path harder. Unless Truman State offers compelling financial aid that substantially reduces that $23,278 debt figure, Missouri families have better-performing options within their state system.