Public Health at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

At Michigan's flagship university, the Public Health degree produces first-year earnings that trail the national median by about $1,400—surprising given UMich's 18% admission rate and 1473 average SAT score. While the program outperforms most other Michigan schools in this field (ranking in the 60th percentile statewide), graduates earn roughly $23,000 less than those from Oakland University just 40 miles away.

The debt picture offers some relief: $18,903 is notably lower than both the national ($26,000) and state ($25,625) medians for Public Health degrees. This means graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, allowing them to pay down loans without excessive strain. For families paying premium tuition at a selective institution, however, these numbers require careful consideration—especially since Eastern Michigan produces similar outcomes at a fraction of the cost.

This program makes sense for students committed to public health who value Michigan's broader resources and alumni network, but parents should understand they're not buying a significant earnings premium in this particular major. Students considering graduate school (common in public health careers) will appreciate the lower debt load, but those planning to enter the workforce immediately should know that entry-level public health salaries remain modest regardless of institution prestige.