Public Health at Winona State University

Winona State's public health program reports exceptional first-year earnings at $46,250—well above the national median of $37,548 and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly with more data. What's more telling is the program's position within Minnesota: it lands in the 60th percentile statewide, trailing only Walden and St. Catherine among measured programs, while keeping debt nearly $6,000 below the state median.

The financial fundamentals look solid. With median debt of just under $21,000 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, graduates start with manageable obligations relative to their income. Earnings grow to about $51,000 by year four, showing steady career progression rather than stagnation. For an accessible state university with a 69% admission rate, these outcomes compete favorably with more selective private alternatives in Minnesota.

The caveat matters here: small sample sizes can create misleadingly rosy or grim pictures. But even accounting for statistical noise, this program appears to position graduates well relative to both state and national benchmarks. If your child is Minnesota-bound and interested in public health, Winona State deserves serious consideration alongside the better-known options—just recognize the data reflects a limited snapshot of graduate outcomes.