Public Health at Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,830/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #137 of 213 Public Health programs

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 $511K $511K $476K
Earnings Multiple 12.6x 12.6x 11.8x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$40,468
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,940
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,320
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Saint Cloud State University's Public Health graduates start at $32,830/yr, trailing the $38,916 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 12.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $15,000 in median debt clears quickly against $32,830 in annual earnings.

At #137 out of 213 programs, Saint Cloud State University's financial outcomes for Public Health trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,830 to $48,320 shows 47% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Saint Cloud State University

A 95% acceptance rate means Saint Cloud State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 5,181 students in Saint Cloud, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University

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

How does Saint Cloud State University's Public Health program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Public Health. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Public Health to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Public Health careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Public Health earnings lower at Saint Cloud State University?
Lower starting pay at Saint Cloud State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →