Public Health at Weber State University

Weber State's Public Health program starts strong with first-year earnings of $41,661—outpacing the national median by over $4,000 and ranking in the 72nd percentile nationally. The relatively modest debt of $17,322 makes it one of the more affordable options in the field, with graduates owing less than half what typical public health students nationally carry. Among Utah's seven programs, Weber State lands in the middle of the pack for earnings, well ahead of BYU and the University of Utah but far behind Utah State's impressive $76,451.

The significant concern here is the earnings trajectory: graduates earn 12% less four years out than they do right after graduation. This backward slide to $36,698 suggests graduates may be taking initial jobs that don't lead to advancement, or that the bachelor's degree hits a ceiling quickly in this field. Public health often rewards graduate education, and these numbers hint that the bachelor's alone may limit career progression.

For an anxious parent, the low debt load is genuinely reassuring—your child won't be buried financially. But set realistic expectations about income growth. This degree appears to open doors to stable, service-oriented work rather than a climbing salary trajectory. If your student is passionate about public health and planning for graduate school eventually, this is a cost-effective foundation. If they're expecting steadily rising earnings with just the bachelor's, the data suggests otherwise.