Public Health at University of the Incarnate Word
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The data here comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so treat these numbers as directional rather than definitive. That said, the pattern isn't alarming: UIW's public health graduates earn slightly above the Texas median ($37,319 vs. $35,119), ranking in the 60th percentile among state programs. The $31,000 debt load is higher than Texas's typical $24,250, but the 0.83 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than one year's salary—a manageable starting point for a field where many pursue graduate degrees or certification.
What stands out is the gap between top performers and everyone else. MD Anderson and Texas A&M grads earn substantially more, but UIW holds its own against UT Austin and UT Arlington. Given UIW's 93% admission rate and high Pell grant enrollment, this represents solid outcomes for students who might not access flagship universities. Public health careers often build through experience and additional credentials, so first-year earnings don't tell the whole story.
The small sample size is the real caveat—next year's cohort could look quite different. If your child is serious about public health and UIW offers the right environment (especially its healthcare network in San Antonio), the debt is reasonable. Just recognize you're buying access and location more than exceptional earning power.
Where University of the Incarnate Word Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of the Incarnate Word graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of the Incarnate Word graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all public health bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Incarnate Word | $37,319 | — | $31,000 | 0.83 |
| The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | $99,671 | — | $30,500 | 0.31 |
| East Texas A&M University | $44,621 | — | $23,328 | 0.52 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $39,584 | — | $18,856 | 0.48 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $37,043 | — | $20,108 | 0.54 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $35,761 | $54,491 | $21,500 | 0.60 |
| National Median | $37,548 | — | $26,000 | 0.69 |
Other Public Health Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston | — | $99,671 | $30,500 |
| East Texas A&M University Commerce | $10,026 | $44,621 | $23,328 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $39,584 | $18,856 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington | $11,728 | $37,043 | $20,108 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $35,761 | $21,500 |
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 the Incarnate Word, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.