Analysis
UW-Tacoma's Public Health program punches significantly above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 94th percentile for earnings—well ahead of what most public health programs deliver. With first-year earnings of $46,016 and debt of just $16,490, graduates face a debt burden of only 36% of their starting salary, one of the lowest ratios among public health programs nationwide. The typical graduate at most schools carries $26,000 in debt, making Tacoma's $10,000 lower debt load a meaningful advantage.
Within Washington, this program sits squarely at the state median for earnings, tied with the flagship Seattle campus despite Tacoma's higher admission rate and more accessible profile. This makes it particularly valuable for students who might not gain admission to the more selective Seattle campus but can achieve identical early-career outcomes. The 16% earnings growth to $53,247 by year four suggests graduates are finding professional advancement, not hitting a ceiling.
For families concerned about public health being a lower-earning field, this program offers reassurance: debt is manageable, earnings exceed national norms substantially, and the school serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students while maintaining strong outcomes. It's a practical choice that delivers results without requiring students to take on crushing debt.
Where University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $46,016 | $53,247 | +16% |
| Montana Technological University | $74,771 | $82,190 | +10% |
| Johns Hopkins University | $36,540 | $77,335 | +112% |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $46,016 | $53,247 | +16% |
| Central Washington University | $42,137 | $43,363 | +3% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Washington-Tacoma CampusTacoma | $12,817 | $46,016 | $53,247 | $16,490 | 0.36 |
 University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle | $12,643 | $46,016 | $53,247 | $16,490 | 0.36 |
 Central Washington UniversityEllensburg | $9,192 | $42,137 | $43,363 | $20,326 | 0.48 |
| 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 Washington-Tacoma Campus, approximately 40% 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 226 graduates with reported earnings and 183 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.