Analysis
Maryland's public health program shows exactly what parents hope for: graduates start modestly but experience real career momentum. That 52% earnings jump from year one to year four—from $38k to $58k—far exceeds typical bachelor's degree patterns and suggests graduates are landing in fields with clear advancement paths. Among Maryland's five public health programs, this one ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings despite carrying more debt than the state median of $18,087.
The $23,424 in debt sits below the national median for public health programs and creates a manageable first-year ratio of 0.61—meaning graduates owe less than 8 months of their starting salary. By year four, when earnings hit $58k, that debt burden becomes quite comfortable. It's worth noting that even prestigious Johns Hopkins, with its significantly higher costs, produces public health graduates earning slightly less ($36,540) in their first year.
For families choosing between Maryland's in-state options, this program offers strong value: competitive earnings growth, reasonable debt, and the backing of a flagship university's recruiting network. The trajectory here matters more than the starting point—these graduates are building careers, not just finding first jobs.
Where University of Maryland-College Park Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Maryland-College Park graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland-College Park | $38,273 | $58,232 | +52% |
| Montana Technological University | $74,771 | $82,190 | +10% |
| Johns Hopkins University | $36,540 | $77,335 | +112% |
| Illinois State University | $59,207 | $76,175 | +29% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $48,351 | $67,892 | +40% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park | $11,505 | $38,273 | $58,232 | $23,424 | 0.61 |
 Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore | $63,340 | $36,540 | $77,335 | $12,750 | 0.35 |
| National Median | — | $37,548 | — | $26,000 | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates
Physicists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Genetic Counselors
Epidemiologists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Environmental Restoration Planners
Industrial Ecologists
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
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 Maryland-College Park, approximately 19% 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 272 graduates with reported earnings and 367 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.