Public Health at Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,096/yr (-41% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)
ROI 1.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #213 of 213 Public Health programs

Program Analysis

The financial outcomes for Baylor Public Health reflect several realities. As a private university, your investment is significant, and the labor market in Waco, while growing, offers fewer immediate, high-paying public health opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas. Many lucrative public health careers – like medical and health services managers or epidemiologists – typically demand a Master of Public Health (MPH) or other advanced degrees. A bachelor's often prepares you for entry-level roles in community health, health education, or administrative support within local clinics or non-profits. These roles, while vital, typically have more modest starting salaries, especially outside major health hubs. The key takeaway is understanding that a bachelor's degree here often serves as a foundational step, not a terminal one for top earnings. Plan your networking and consider an advanced degree early in your career path.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Health graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $368K $374K $381K
Earnings Multiple 1.7x 1.7x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$219,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$167,768
24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,495
11.7 months of Year 1 earnings

About Baylor University

A 51% admission rate makes Baylor University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 15,007 students in Waco, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Baylor University →

Top Career Paths

Physicists $166,290/yr
Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Public Health at Baylor University?
A score of 26/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Public Health. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Public Health careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $381,276 in decade earnings vs $368,187 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Public Health from Baylor University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →