Public Health at West Virginia University

West Virginia University's public health bachelor's earns less than the state median of $42,178, placing it in just the 40th percentile among West Virginia programs—meaning six out of ten comparable in-state options produce higher earnings. When American Public University System graduates in the same field earn $47,100 one year out, the nearly $10,000 gap should factor into your calculations. The program also underperforms the national median slightly, though nationwide the degree hovers around $37,500 regardless of school.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $24,000, graduates carry less than both state and national medians, resulting in a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio. First-year graduates can realistically pay down this debt even on entry-level public health salaries. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests these numbers represent a stable cohort rather than a statistical outlier.

For West Virginia families, this becomes a question of expectations. If your child plans to stay in-state and work in public health, they'll likely start below what peers from other WV programs earn. The accessible admission (86% acceptance rate) and lower debt provide a safety net, but if maximizing early earnings matters—particularly for launching an independent adult life—exploring the higher-performing in-state alternatives would be wise before committing.