Location: Logan, UT•In-State Tuition: $9,228•Out-of-State Tuition: $24,802•Admission Rate: 94%•Avg SAT: 1189
Median Earnings (1yr)
$76,451
95th percentile
Est. Median Debt
$14,541
Est. from UT median (3 programs)
Sample: 25 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Utah State's public health program delivers something genuinely exceptional: first-year earnings of $76,451—double the national median and outperforming every other public health bachelor's program in Utah by a significant margin. Even Westminster, the state's second-highest earner at $47,365, falls more than $29,000 short. This places Utah State graduates in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide, an outcome that demands explanation given the school's 94% admission rate and modest SAT scores.

The estimated debt of $14,541, derived from similar programs at Utah State, represents less than one-fifth of first-year earnings—a ratio that would be considered excellent even for high-earning fields like engineering. Nationally, public health graduates typically earn $37,548 while carrying $26,000 in debt. If Utah State's debt estimate holds true, graduates would be emerging with half the typical burden while earning twice the typical salary.

The critical uncertainty here is whether these outcomes reflect the program itself or unusual graduate career paths—perhaps students leveraging family connections in Utah's healthcare industry or pursuing specialized roles that aren't typical for bachelor's-level public health graduates. The earnings gap between Utah State and peer programs is too large to ignore. If your child is admitted and the program's placement record confirms these numbers represent sustainable career outcomes rather than statistical outliers, this would be among the strongest public health investments available. Request detailed employment data before committing.

Where Utah State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally

Utah State University (estimated ±10%)Other public health programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Utah State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Utah State University earns $76k — 95th percentile among public health bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Utah State UniversityLogan$9,228$76,451—$14,541*—
Westminster UniversitySalt Lake City$41,416$47,365$38,161$24,656*0.52
Weber State UniversityOgden$6,391$41,661$36,698$17,322*0.42
Utah Valley UniversityOrem$6,270$38,102$36,029$14,541*0.38
University of UtahSalt Lake City$9,315$37,068$56,703$14,500*0.39
Brigham Young UniversityProvo$6,496$29,025$44,870$10,924*0.38
National Median—$37,548—$26,000*0.69
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

$98,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Epidemiologists

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

$80,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

$78,900/yrJobs growth:
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 Utah State University, 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.

Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.