Public Health at University of Utah

The University of Utah's Public Health program stands out for two reasons: exceptionally low debt and strong earnings growth. Graduates leave with just $14,500 in debt—barely half the state median and a fraction of the $26,000 national median. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means most graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a year or two, even on that modest $37,000 starting salary.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. While first-year earnings lag slightly behind Utah's median for public health programs (40th percentile in-state), graduates see 53% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $57,000. This suggests the program provides skills that become more valuable with experience, though it's worth noting that Utah State's public health graduates earn substantially more ($76,451) right from the start, indicating significant variation in outcomes across state programs.

For families weighing cost and return, this program offers a manageable financial risk. The low debt burden provides breathing room for graduates to gain experience and build their careers without crushing loan payments. If your child is drawn to public health and wants to stay in Utah, this represents a solid middle-ground option—not the highest-earning path, but one of the safest bets financially.