Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
The $35,000 first-year salary suggested by similar Texas public health programs roughly tracks with what graduates across the state typically earn, though it falls about $2,400 short of the national median. With an estimated $23,789 in debt—slightly below both state and national averages—the 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within a manageable range. However, the lack of reported outcomes from UNT itself means we're relying entirely on what peer programs produce, not what this specific program delivers.
What's more concerning is the ceiling: top public health programs in Texas like UT Arlington and Texas A&M post earnings above $37,000, while UT MD Anderson graduates earn nearly triple these estimates. Public health spans everything from community health workers to epidemiologists, and where UNT positions its graduates along that spectrum remains unclear from the available data. The wide variation among Texas programs suggests your child's career trajectory will depend heavily on internships, networking, and specialization—factors the suppressed data doesn't help you evaluate.
If your child is committed to public health and drawn to UNT's broader university experience, the estimated debt burden shouldn't be crushing. But without actual outcomes data, you're essentially betting on UNT performing at the Texas median—not excelling above it. Before committing, push the department for concrete placement information: where do their graduates actually work, and what do entry-level positions pay?
Where University of North Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,164 | $35,119* | — | $23,789* | — | |
| — | $99,671* | — | $30,500* | 0.31 | |
| $10,026 | $44,621* | — | $23,328* | 0.52 | |
| $13,099 | $39,584* | — | $18,856* | 0.48 | |
| $35,660 | $37,319* | — | $31,000* | 0.83 | |
| $11,728 | $37,043* | — | $20,108* | 0.54 | |
| 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 North Texas, approximately 36% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 15 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.