Public Health at Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University's Public Health program offers one of the lowest debt burdens in the country—just $14,541 at graduation, placing it in the 5th percentile nationally—but that affordability comes with a significant tradeoff. At $38,102, first-year earnings barely edge above the national median, and the program sits in the 40th percentile among Utah's seven public health programs. More concerning, graduates see their earnings decline by 5% over the next three years, suggesting graduates may be concentrated in entry-level positions without clear advancement paths.

The comparison to other Utah programs reveals the gap: Utah State University graduates earn double ($76,451), while even Weber State and University of Utah alumni pull ahead significantly. This suggests either weaker career network connections or a curriculum that doesn't translate as effectively into the higher-paying public health roles. The low debt partially offsets this—with a 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates won't be crushed by loan payments—but the earnings trajectory points to limited career momentum in the field.

For families prioritizing affordability and proximity to home, this program won't derail finances. But if your child is serious about public health as a career, the combination of below-state-median earnings and the backward earnings trend should prompt a hard look at whether nearby alternatives like Weber State or the University of Utah might deliver better long-term career outcomes, even with moderately higher costs.