Program Analysis
At $42,194 per year, Public Health graduates from American University earn slightly above the $38,916 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
An earnings multiple of 2.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $23,250 debt-to-$42,194 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #115 out of 213 programs, American University's financial outcomes for Public Health trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $42,194 to $67,737 over five years (61% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.