Location: Duluth, MN•In-State Tuition: $14,318•Out-of-State Tuition: $19,762•Admission Rate: 82%•Avg SAT: 1221
Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,520
41st percentile
40th percentile in Minnesota
Median Debt
$26,000
At national median
D/E Ratio: 0.71 ManageableSample: 35 graduates

Analysis

At roughly $36,500 first-year earnings, UMN-Duluth's public health degree falls nearly $2,000 below Minnesota's median for the program and trails the state's top performers by $10,000 or more. Graduates here earn less than peers at Winona State, Walden, and St. Catherine—a meaningful gap when you're trying to pay down debt on an entry-level salary. The program sits at the 40th percentile statewide, meaning six out of ten Minnesota public health programs deliver better financial outcomes.

The $26,000 debt load matches both state and national medians, which sounds reasonable until you consider it represents 71% of first-year earnings. That's a tight budget for a recent graduate, particularly in a field where many positions require master's degrees for advancement. Public health careers often start modestly and grow over time, but beginning $10,000 behind Winona State graduates means playing catch-up from day one.

For Minnesota families, this program represents middle-of-the-road value at best. If your child is committed to public health and strongly prefers Duluth's location or campus culture, the debt level won't sink them—but they should know they're accepting below-average state outcomes. If finances are a primary concern, the higher-performing programs in the Twin Cities area deserve serious consideration.

Where University of Minnesota-Duluth Stands

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

University of Minnesota-DuluthOther public health programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Minnesota-Duluth earns $37k — 41th percentile among public health bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Minnesota-DuluthDuluth$14,318$36,520—$26,0000.71
Winona State UniversityWinona$10,498$46,250$50,899$20,9660.45
Walden UniversityMinneapolis$12,498$44,285$48,167$45,7931.03
St Catherine UniversitySaint Paul$49,758$42,407$48,071$29,8150.70
University of St ThomasSaint Paul$52,284$38,475$59,475$27,0000.70
Rasmussen University-MinnesotaSt. Cloud$10,899$35,433—$40,8091.15
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 Minnesota-Duluth, 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.