Public Health at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,274/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #107 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 $603K $598K $537K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$236,964
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$203,836
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,015
38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $47,274/yr, edging above the $38,916 national average for Public Health — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

An earnings multiple of 2.5x 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 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,500 debt-to-$47,274 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #107 out of 213 programs, Santa Clara 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 $47,274 to $65,015 shows 38% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Santa Clara University

With a 44% acceptance rate, Santa Clara University is moderately selective, enrolling 6,235 students in Santa Clara, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University's Public Health program score?
This program scores 45/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →