Public Health at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Cincinnati's public health bachelor's produces concerning first-year earnings of just $32,685—below both the Ohio median ($37,883) and landing in the 15th percentile nationally. While the debt load of $28,625 sits near national norms, the combination yields a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88, meaning graduates carry nearly a full year's salary in loans. For context, Bowling Green State's public health graduates earn $47,019 in their first year—44% more from the same state system.

The 40th percentile state ranking offers a glimmer of perspective: this program isn't the worst Ohio option, but it's decidedly below average even within the state. Given Cincinnati's relatively high 88% admission rate, families might reasonably expect more accessible outcomes, yet the earnings gap suggests graduates struggle to secure well-compensated public health positions immediately after graduation. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonably reliable data.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: expect to finance nearly nine months of first-year income through loans while earning $5,200 less than typical Ohio public health graduates. Unless your student has specific connections to Cincinnati-area health departments or nonprofits that could accelerate earnings growth, exploring alternatives like Bowling Green or Kent State would likely deliver better financial returns on the same four-year investment.