Public Health at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

UW-La Crosse graduates earn more than their Wisconsin peers while taking on significantly less debt—a combination that should matter to families shopping in-state options. At $27,000 in student loans versus the state median of $40,809, graduates here borrow nearly $14,000 less than typical Wisconsin public health majors. That debt advantage matters more than the modest earnings edge ($42,887 at four years versus the state median of $37,548), especially given that earnings barely budge after graduation.

The stagnant salary trajectory—just 3% growth over four years—means this is essentially a $42,000 career launch rather than a growing path. Nationally, this program sits in the 72nd percentile for earnings, but that benchmark includes rural areas and lower-cost markets. For Wisconsin residents specifically, where this ranks in the 60th percentile, you're getting above-average but not exceptional outcomes. The 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, though it reflects more careful borrowing than strong earning power.

For families deciding between Wisconsin public health programs, La Crosse offers clear financial advantages over alternatives. The combination of reasonable debt and above-state-median earnings makes this a sensible choice if your student is committed to public health work. Just understand that the field itself caps earnings relatively early—this isn't a degree that pays off through dramatic salary progression.