Analysis
Based on comparable public health programs in Indiana, graduates from this field typically earn around $43,000 in their first year—slightly above the national benchmark but not dramatically so. The estimated $27,000 debt load, if accurate, puts this program roughly in line with what similar bachelor's programs nationally carry. That 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests borrowers would dedicate about eight months of gross income to repay what they owe, which is manageable but not particularly generous given public health's modest starting salaries.
What's harder to assess here is where University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne's program specifically fits among Indiana's options. Purdue and several IU campuses report actual outcomes in the $42,000-$45,000 range, establishing a tight band for public health earnings across the state. The estimated figures for USF-Fort Wayne align with this pattern, but without direct data on this program's graduates, parents can't know whether it performs at the top or bottom of that range. The school's 98% admission rate and accessibility mission (43% Pell recipients) suggest it serves a different student population than flagship universities, which may affect outcomes.
For families committed to public health and considering private options in Fort Wayne, this program appears financially comparable to state alternatives—but that's based on peer data, not proof. Request employment outcomes directly from the university and compare net costs carefully against public universities where actual earnings data exists.
Where University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,420 | $43,073* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $9,992 | $45,274* | $54,930 | $21,500* | 0.47 | |
| $8,179 | $43,356* | $47,980 | $27,334* | 0.63 | |
| $11,790 | $42,790* | $60,955 | $19,689* | 0.46 | |
| $10,449 | $42,152* | $48,634 | $22,220* | 0.53 | |
| 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 Saint Francis-Fort Wayne, approximately 43% 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 4 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.