Analysis
The $25,000 debt burden at University of Toledo sits slightly below what's typical for public health bachelor's programs in Ohio, which averages $27,000 statewide. Based on comparable programs across the state, first-year earnings around $37,883 suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66βmeaning graduates would owe roughly two-thirds of their starting salary. This aligns closely with the national median for public health programs, placing Toledo in the mainstream rather than standing out as either exceptional or problematic.
What matters here is the gap between Toledo's outcomes and the stronger programs in Ohio. Bowling Green graduates, for instance, start at $47,019 based on reported dataβabout $9,000 more than what similar programs suggest Toledo graduates might earn. That difference compounds over time. For a field where many graduates pursue additional credentials or pivot into related healthcare roles, starting closer to the state average rather than leading it means your child may face a longer runway to financial stability.
The practical reality: this program offers access (95% admission rate) but not necessarily advantage. If your child is committed to public health and plans to stay in Ohio, Toledo provides a reasonable path at a manageable debt load. But if they have options at schools like Bowling Green with documented stronger outcomes, those programs justify serious consideration despite potentially higher sticker prices.
Where University of Toledo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,377 | $37,883* | β | $25,000 | β | |
| $14,081 | $47,019* | β | $30,500 | 0.65 | |
| $7,272 | $39,159* | $42,596 | $28,884 | 0.74 | |
| $12,846 | $39,159* | $42,596 | $28,884 | 0.74 | |
| $6,178 | $37,883* | β | $27,000 | 0.71 | |
| $6,178 | $37,883* | β | $27,000 | 0.71 | |
| National Median | β | $37,548* | β | $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 Toledo, approximately 26% 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 14 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.