Public Health at Mercer University

Macon, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,108/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #210 of 213 Public Health programs

Program Analysis

The data here indicates that a Public Health degree from Mercer presents significant challenges for immediate career prospects and earning potential, especially when compared to national averages for the field. You'll likely find that the regional labor market in Macon offers fewer high-paying roles in public health, often limited to local government health departments or community non-profits with more constrained budgets. Many entry-level public health roles, such as community health workers or health educators, typically don't command high salaries. The more lucrative careers listed, like medical scientists or managers, generally require advanced degrees like an MPH, PhD, or even an MD, which are beyond the scope of a bachelor's. Furthermore, the high AI risk suggests many administrative or data-focused tasks within public health could become automated. To succeed, you’ll need to actively seek out robust internship experiences and consider pursuing an accredited Master of Public Health (MPH) degree to unlock higher-earning specializations.

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 $393K $398K $398K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$163,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$89,400
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
12.0 months of Year 1 earnings

About Mercer University

Mercer University accepts 66% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,620 students in Macon, GA. The average net cost of $89,400 over four years represents a 45% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Mercer 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

Public Health at Other Schools

Other Majors at Mercer University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Public Health at Mercer University?
A score of 27/100 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 $397,983 in decade earnings vs $393,315 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Public Health from Mercer 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 →