Location: Charlotte, NC•In-State Tuition: $7,214•Out-of-State Tuition: $21,876•Admission Rate: 80%•Avg SAT: 1202
Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,307
39th percentile
40th percentile in North Carolina
Median Debt
$27,000
4% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.74 ManageableSample: 43 graduates

Analysis

UNC Charlotte's public health program starts graduates at a below-average salary of $36,307, but the trajectory tells a more optimistic story. Four years out, earnings jump to $48,403—a 33% increase that outpaces typical career growth in this field. This suggests graduates are successfully moving into mid-level public health roles after gaining initial experience, even if the entry point lags behind peers at NC A&T ($58,660) and Duke ($45,921).

The debt picture provides some comfort: at $27,000, it's actually slightly above state and national medians, but the 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable. Students here are borrowing reasonable amounts relative to what they'll earn, and the strong earnings growth means that burden becomes lighter with time. However, ranking around the 40th percentile both nationally and within North Carolina means this program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—not a standout, but not concerning either.

For families weighing this option, the key question is patience. If your child needs immediate earnings after graduation to manage debt, this program's slow start could create stress. But if they can navigate a few leaner years, the upward trajectory suggests the degree gains value over time. Given UNC Charlotte's accessibility (80% admission rate) and reasonable debt load, it offers a solid foundation for students interested in public health careers, provided they understand they'll need to hustle early to reach competitive salaries.

Where University of North Carolina at Charlotte Stands

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

University of North Carolina at CharlotteOther public health programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of North Carolina at Charlotte earns $36k — 39th percentile among public health bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of North Carolina at Charlotte$36,307$48,403+33%
Elon University$42,088$45,011+7%
Appalachian State University$34,148$43,580+28%
East Carolina University$35,628$43,026+21%
University of North Carolina Wilmington$36,458$42,907+18%

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte$7,214$36,307$48,403$27,0000.74
North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro$6,748$58,660———
Duke UniversityDurham$65,805$45,921—$12,5000.27
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro$7,593$42,239$40,000$25,5000.60
Elon UniversityElon$44,536$42,088$45,011$20,5000.49
North Carolina Central UniversityDurham$6,542$38,198—$31,0000.81
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 North Carolina at Charlotte, approximately 34% 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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.