Compare 6 Public Health. programs in Michigan. Average earnings: $42,247.
The highest-earning Public Health program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $28K earnings gap across 6 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Oakland University's Public Health program leads with graduates earning $60,142—42% above the $42,247 average. University of Detroit Mercy follows at $44,785, while Central Michigan delivers $41,007. The variation shows program quality matters more than school reputation.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Oakland University graduates borrow $22,750 and face just an 8.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. Central Michigan students face a concerning 20.1% burden despite lower earnings, proving that the best choice requires evaluating total costs.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Oakland UniversityPublic | $60,142 | 28 | $22,750 | Good | $17,858 | Manageable |
| #2 | University Of Detroit MercyPrivate | $44,785 | 19 | $23,250 | Manageable | $22,484 | High |
| #3 | $41,007 | 8 | $27,000 | Challenging | $23,103 | High | |
| #4 | $38,781 | 23 | $25,000 | Challenging | $16,878 | High | |
| #5 | $36,181 | 82 | $19,500 | Challenging | $30,250 | High | |
| #6 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $32,584 | 169 | $21,250 | High | $16,378 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
