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Health Professions · Health Sciences Rank #41 of 156

Health Sciencesat University of Kentucky

Graduates earn $19,370/yr in their first year — about 47.0% below the national Health Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,308K; scenarios range from $1,066K to $1,346K depending on AI disruption.

Lexington, KY Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
40 AVERAGE
40
Optimistic
40
Pessimistic
Earnings
$19,370
1-year post-graduation
ROI
16.9x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$1,308K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
44% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Kentucky

The generalist nature of this Health Sciences degree at UK often prepares graduates for vital community and administrative support roles within Kentucky's healthcare ecosystem, including larger systems like UK HealthCare and Baptist Health. This broad foundation, while valuable, typically leads to starting positions that aren't specialized clinical roles, which can influence initial earning trajectories. Many graduates find themselves in public health initiatives, health education, or patient advocacy, crucial areas that often prioritize community impact over high compensation, especially in regional markets. Given the program's breadth, consider specializing early through internships or pursuing a master's degree immediately. Focusing on specific certifications or advanced studies in areas like health informatics, administration, or a direct clinical path will be key to significantly enhancing your career prospects.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$1,066K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score40/100
Earnings Multiple20.2x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$1,308K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score40/100
Earnings Multiple24.7x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$1,346K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score40/100
Earnings Multiple25.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Kentucky's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Health Sciences graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Health education specialists
+4.5% 10-yr growth · 7,900 openings/yr
$63,000/yr
High
2
Community health workers
+11.3% 10-yr growth · 7,800 openings/yr
$51,030/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Health Sciences

How University of Kentucky stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Touro University
NY · Private nonprofit
56
DW Score
$99K
1-yr earn
6.8x
ROI
Seattle Central College
WA · Public
57
DW Score
$71K
1-yr earn
35.6x
ROI
Southern New Hampshire University
NH · Private nonprofit
48
DW Score
$66K
1-yr earn
9.1x
ROI
Mercy College of Ohio
OH · Private nonprofit
51
DW Score
$65K
1-yr earn
7.3x
ROI
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
LA · Public
52
DW Score
$59K
1-yr earn
15.7x
ROI
Also at University of Kentucky

Other top programs at University of Kentucky

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Kentucky, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Health Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Health Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Health Sciences at University of Kentucky

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Health Sciences at University of Kentucky?

At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Health Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Health Sciences degree from University of Kentucky?

At $23,000 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Health Sciences at University of Kentucky?

The 43% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is University of Kentucky a good choice for Health Sciences despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Kentucky's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.