Public Health at University of Houston-Downtown

UH-Downtown's Public Health program sits at the median for Texas public health graduates ($35,119), which means it performs exactly average within the state—but Texas public health programs generally lag behind the national median of $37,548. You're getting middle-of-the-pack results in a state where most programs underperform. The $23,000 in typical debt is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that won't crush your child financially, but the low absolute earnings mean less cushion in the budget for loan payments, rent, and building savings in those critical first years after graduation.

The reality here is straightforward: this is an accessible program (91% admission rate, serving a student body where over half receive Pell grants) that produces modest but achievable outcomes. Your child won't graduate with the $99,671 earnings of UT MD Anderson graduates, but they also won't face the financial stress that comes with higher debt loads at more expensive schools. First-year earnings around $35,000 in Houston is tight but workable for someone committed to public health careers, which often require graduate education for significant salary growth.

For families prioritizing affordability and Houston-area opportunities, this program delivers reasonable value. Just understand you're paying for access and stability, not outsized earning potential in a field where the bachelor's degree is often just the starting point.