Location: Cincinnati, OH•In-State Tuition: $13,570•Out-of-State Tuition: $30,582•Admission Rate: 88%•Avg SAT: 1281
Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,685
15th percentile
40th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$28,625
10% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.88 ManageableSample: 71 graduates

Analysis

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.

Where University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally

University of Cincinnati-Main CampusOther public health programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus earns $33k — 15th percentile among public health bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (27 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$32,685—$28,6250.88
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$47,019—$30,5000.65
Kent State University at KentKent$12,846$39,159$42,596$28,8840.74
Kent State University at TrumbullWarren$7,272$39,159$42,596$28,8840.74
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville$6,178$37,883—$27,0000.71
Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe$6,178$37,883—$27,0000.71
National Median—$37,548—$26,0000.69

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

$98,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Epidemiologists

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

$78,900/yrJobs growth:
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 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, approximately 18% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 71 graduates with reported earnings and 89 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.