Public Health at Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier's Public Health bachelor's program carries $27,000 in median debt—slightly below the national benchmark and notably less than Louisiana's typical $28,375. That's good news for a degree where early earnings pose challenges. Based on comparable public health programs nationally, graduates can expect around $37,548 in their first year, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72. This falls in a manageable range, though Xavier serves a student body where 52% receive Pell grants, making even modest debt loads significant.

Louisiana's public health market appears particularly tough, with the state median at $34,978 lagging behind national figures. Other Louisiana schools with reported data—Dillard at $35,205 and Southeastern Louisiana at $34,751—suggest Xavier's graduates may face similar constraints. Public health careers often require graduate education for advancement, which matters when you're already carrying undergraduate debt into further study.

The debt level here won't derail most graduates, but families should understand that public health bachelor's degrees typically produce modest early returns regardless of where you earn them. Xavier's lower debt compared to Louisiana peers provides some cushion, but the first few years will likely require careful budgeting. If your child is committed to public health work, this program won't burden them excessively—just don't expect the bachelor's alone to deliver strong earnings without additional credentials or experience.