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Public Health at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,092/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)

ROI 14.5x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #67 of 213 Public Health programs Top 50%

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	$481K	$481K	$456K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.5x	14.5x	13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.0x	6.0x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	52%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	52	51	49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,160

Out-of-state: $80,680 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,696

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,000

4.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,092 at San Diego State University come in 6% above the national median of $38,916 for Public Health programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Public Health programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Public Health's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $41,092 far exceeding the $15,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #67 of 213 Public Health programs, San Diego State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University accepts 34% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 33,654 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego 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 San Diego 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Public Health at San Diego State University?

A score of 51/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Public Health field.

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 $456,213 in decade earnings vs $480,901 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →