Public Health at Western Michigan University

Based on comparable public health programs in Michigan, Western Michigan's estimated outcomes place it solidly in the middle of the state's offerings—though Oakland University's nearly $60,000 starting salary shows what's possible at the high end. The estimated $36,181 first-year earnings match the state median exactly, which isn't surprising given the suppressed data, but it's worth noting that this figure sits just below the $37,548 national benchmark.

The estimated debt load of $20,500 actually works in this program's favor. While Michigan's public health programs typically leave graduates with median debt of $25,625, Western Michigan's figure suggests a more manageable starting point—yielding a 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio that means roughly seven months of gross salary to cover the total borrowing. That's a reasonable proposition for a bachelor's degree, even if the earning potential in public health isn't spectacular out of the gate.

The key uncertainty here is whether Western Michigan's actual outcomes align with these state-wide estimates or trend higher or lower. The lack of reported data prevents any firm conclusions, but the estimated picture suggests a financially viable path—if not an impressive one. Look for evidence that graduates are actually landing jobs in the field; in public health, employment outcomes matter as much as the starting salary.