Public Health at University of Scranton

Based on comparable public health programs in Pennsylvania, Scranton graduates likely start around $39,000—fairly typical for the field—but then see substantial growth to $63,000 by year four. That trajectory matters because estimated first-year debt of $27,000 creates a manageable 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than nine months of salary. This positions them better than many bachelor's programs where debt exceeds annual earnings.

The year-four figure is actual reported data for Scranton, not an estimate, and it suggests graduates either advance quickly in their roles or move into higher-paying positions within public health or healthcare administration. At $63,000, they're outpacing the typical public health bachelor's graduate nationally and performing competitively within Pennsylvania. The gap between estimated first-year and actual fourth-year earnings is notable—it implies either significant professional development or career pivoting that pays off.

For an anxious parent, the key question is whether your child will tolerate starting at $39,000 while carrying $27,000 in debt. If they're committed to the public health sector and willing to work through those early years, the four-year outlook is encouraging. But if they need immediate income or are exploring this major casually, the initial earnings squeeze might prompt difficult conversations about repayment.